Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed rumors surrounding Kieran Tierney’s future as speculation grows about a potential return to Celtic. The 27-year-old left-back’s contract with Arsenal is set to expire this summer, sparking questions about his next move.
1. Tierney’s Contract Situation
Kieran Tierney’s time at Arsenal appears to be nearing its conclusion.
- Contract Expiration: His current deal runs out in the summer, leaving Arsenal with a narrow window in January to secure a transfer fee.
- Limited Appearances: Tierney has made just one appearance for Arsenal this season, starting in the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.
- Extension Clause: Reports suggest Arsenal will not trigger the one-year extension clause in Tierney’s contract, intensifying speculation about his departure.
2. Arteta’s Comments on Tierney’s Future
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Selhurst Park, Arteta dismissed the idea of an imminent exit for Tierney:
“At the moment, he’s here with us. I wouldn’t play a player that is thinking about leaving or is not committed to us. He’s fully committed.”
Arteta praised Tierney’s attitude and recent performance:
“He’s enjoying things after a long period with a really tough injury. He deserves to be in the squad. He played really well the other day after such a long time.”
3. Has Tierney Asked to Leave?
Arteta revealed that Tierney has not expressed a desire to leave during the current season but acknowledged that the player has previously initiated discussions about a transfer:
“He hasn’t come to me and said, ‘I want to move.’ When in the past we had any doubts, he came to me and said, ‘I think it’s my time to move.’ This hasn’t been the case yet.”
4. Celtic Links and Brendan Rodgers’ Response
Speculation about a return to Celtic has been fueled by Tierney’s boyhood ties to the club and his previous success under Brendan Rodgers. However, Rodgers remained tight-lipped when asked about the possibility of reuniting with the Scotland international:
“We will never speak about a player, especially a young player who is at another club,” Rodgers stated.
5. Injury Struggles and Loan Spell
Tierney’s career has been hindered by injuries, which also affected his loan spell at Real Sociedad last season. While he showed glimpses of his quality, consistent playing time has eluded him, both in Spain and since returning to Arsenal.
6. Arsenal’s January Dilemma
With Tierney’s contract set to expire in the summer, Arsenal face a decision:
- Sell in January: Recoup a transfer fee for the player.
- Keep Until Summer: Retain Tierney as a squad option but risk losing him for free.
Arteta’s comments suggest Tierney remains an integral part of the squad for now, but the January transfer window could bring clarity.
7. Conclusion
While Kieran Tierney’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain, Mikel Arteta’s recent statements highlight the player’s commitment and professionalism. Speculation about a return to Celtic persists, but as of now, Tierney remains a part of Arsenal’s plans. Whether the January transfer window brings a resolution or Tierney sees out his contract will depend on both the player’s ambitions and Arsenal’s strategic decisions.
FAQs
- When does Kieran Tierney’s contract with Arsenal expire?
Tierney’s contract expires in the summer of 2024. - Will Arsenal trigger Tierney’s extension clause?
Reports suggest Arsenal will not activate the one-year extension clause. - Has Tierney asked to leave Arsenal?
According to Mikel Arteta, Tierney has not requested a transfer this season. - Is Celtic interested in re-signing Tierney?
While speculation links Tierney to Celtic, manager Brendan Rodgers has declined to comment on the rumors. - What has limited Tierney’s impact at Arsenal?
Injuries have been a major factor, along with limited playing time under Arteta.
