Kieran Tierney has all but confirmed his exit from Arsenal this summer after posting a double message to social media. The Scotsman sees his current contract expire in just over a month and with no plans for an extension, he is set to depart a free agent after six years at the club.
Despite the plethora of left-backs at the club, Tierney has actually played a lot more minutes than many would expect in the last few months. He has come of the bench in eight of the last 11 Premier League games and he was handed the final few moments of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
He also received significant applause from the Arsenal supporters when he was warming up and also following the final whistle.
The 27-year-old has been hampered by injuries throughout the majority of his spell in north London but he still quite clearly has plenty to give and he plans on doing that by re-joining his boyhood club.
Given the challenges he has faced, a pre-agreed return to Celtic, makes perfect sense. Having spent 14 years of his career with the Scottish heavyweights, he is loved in that part of the country and therefore they may be less pressure on him to perform immediately.
His plan to leave the Gunners for Celtic Park is not yet officially confirmed but Tierney has seemingly announced at the very least his Arsenal departure with a double message on Instagram.
Alongside a photo of him in action, he simply wrote: “Grateful [heart emoji].” Tierney then reposted a message from Arsenal fan celebrity Dermot O’Leary. He had said: “True professional, thanks for an incredible shift KT @kierantierney.”
Jorginho was another brought on in the late knockings against Newcastle for what will be his final appearance at Emirates Stadium. The midfielder has already agreed a pre-contract with Brazilian club Flamengo.
With at least two players set to leave, strengthening the squad in several different areas is a priority and Arteta has made his feelings clear on the need to do exactly that and the fact that more will be leaving.
“I think they always back the team, the club, in the best possible way,” he admitted when asked about Josh Kroenke’s message to supporters. “And it’s not going to be different in the summer. We have to be very smart with the decisions that we take.
“Obviously, we need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that we are losing four or five players that are going to end contracts, and their loans are finished. So, we need to be sharp. Again, very disciplined in what we want to do, and make sure that we are strong in the next season.”
Raheem Sterling and Neto are the players on temporary stints referenced by Arteta as they will return to Chelsea and Bournemouth, respectively. Thomas Partey is another that could be on the move at the end of his deal but talks have taken place for an extension.
football.london understands that Arteta would like the Ghana international in his squad for next season alongside Martin Zubimendi who is set to join from Real Sociedad.
