Kieran Tierney’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain as he prepares to return to the club after his season-long loan at Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old left-back fell out of favor under manager Mikel Arteta last season and injuries have limited his playing time in Spain to just 14 starts.
In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Tierney acknowledged that it is likely he will move on this summer. He pointed out the squad depth in his position, with players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jakub Kiwior all capable of playing as left-back. Tierney understands that if he returns to Arsenal and finds himself in a similar situation as before, it is highly probable that he will be leaving the club.
However, the Scotland international also noted that football can be unpredictable. He mentioned the example of William Saliba, who returned to Arsenal after successful loan spells and now has a place in the team. Tierney acknowledged that stranger things have happened in football and that there is a possibility he could go back to Arsenal and find a place for himself. He is prepared for both outcomes.
Tierney has been a key player for Arsenal since joining from Celtic in 2019, making 124 appearances for the club. At one point, he was even tipped to be a future captain. However, the arrival of Zinchenko changed the dynamics, and Tierney slipped down the pecking order.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Tierney remains highly respected at Arsenal, and the club has not yet held talks with him about his plans. In the meantime, Tierney’s focus is on performing well for Scotland at the upcoming European Championship in Germany. He sees this tournament as an opportunity to showcase his abilities and make a case for his next career move.
When asked about his potential future destinations, Tierney expressed an interest in playing in Spain or Italy. He has enjoyed his time in La Liga and sees it as a great league. However, he also emphasized the importance of stability and not constantly moving from one club to another. Tierney wants to settle down and adapt to a new environment to further develop his career.
As Tierney’s loan spell at Real Sociedad comes to an end, the ball is now in Arsenal’s court regarding his future. While there is a chance he may leave the club, there is also a glimmer of hope that he could find a place for himself upon his return. Regardless of the outcome, Tierney is determined to make the most of his football career and seize every opportunity that comes his way.