An out-of-favour Arsenal defender has admitted that there is a strong chance he will leave the club during the summer transfer window.
Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney quickly made himself a fan favourite at the Emirates upon his arrival from Celtic in 2019, even if injuries did hamper his early months at the club.
Fitness concerns have continued to bedevil the 26-year-old, but he proved himself as a crucial player to Arsenal when fit, scoring five goals and setting up 13 more in 124 games in all tournaments.
However, Tierney was demoted to second-choice left-back in the summer of 2022 due to the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was better equipped to adapt to Mikel Arteta's desire for an inverted left-back.
The former Celtic man subsequently joined La Liga European chasers Real Sociedad on loan for the 2023-24 campaign and has contributed two assists in 22 games for Imanol Alguacil's side, although hamstring and adductor issues have limited him to just 11 top-flight starts.
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Tierney: 'There is every chance I have played last Arsenal match'
While Tierney has been plying his trade in Spain, Zinchenko has faced increased competition at left-back from Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while Jurrien Timber will endeavour to finally make his breakthrough next term after an ACL injury.
The Dutchman has played two gamed for the Under-21s on the left-hand side, suggesting that he could become Arteta's first-choice left-back for the 2024-25 season, making Tierney surplus to requirements.
The Scotsman's contract in North London still has another two years left to run, and he will be back at the Emirates this summer, as Sociedad do not have an option or obligation to make his stay permanent.
However, speaking to The Athletic, Tierney has resigned himself to never pulling on the Arsenal shirt again, saying: "There is every chance. Look at the squad depth in that position now.
"They have (Oleksandr) Zinchenko, (Jurrien) Timber, (Takehiro) Tomiyasu, (Jakub) Kiwior. Four players can play there. So if I go back and it's the same as before then I'm not silly, I know the chances are I'll be leaving."
Tierney opens door to Arsenal stay with William Saliba comparison
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Nevertheless, Tierney has not completely closed the door on a Gunners revival, referencing William Saliba's progression since three consecutive loans with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.
The Frenchman was also tipped to leave while he could not get a game in an Arsenal shirt, but he has since become a mainstay of Arteta's setup, although Tierney admitted that his case is an exceptional one.
"But you never know in football. You get the rare case with (William) Saliba, where he came back after a couple of good seasons (out on loan) but you don't see it too often with someone who has played for four years, left, and then come back to play again," the left-back added. "Stranger things have happened. I could go back and there is a place for me. So I'm prepared for both."
Newcastle United and Manchester City have both been linked with moves for Tierney in the past, and a return to Celtic has also been mooted for the 26-year-old, who spent 14 years with the Bhoys from 2005 to 2019.
The Scotland international should be one of at least two full-backs to head for the Arsenal exit door this summer, as Cedric Soares will depart as a free agent, while the future of Nuno Tavares - currently on loan at Nottingham Forest - is clouded in uncertainty.
Ben Knapton
