He might have not been a regular for Arsenal this season but Kieran Tierney's star hasn't dimmed.
The 25-year–old has watched Oleksandr Zinchenko thrive in Mikel Arteta's prized inverted full-back role and that has led to an avalanche of speculation his four-year stay in north London is nearing an end game. If Tierney departs he will be fondly remembered by Gunners supporters for his grit and skill amid the club's rebuild in the post-Arsene Wenger era. And he is being mooted for a swap deal with banished Joao Cancelo which would see both move in the opposite direction.
Some may doubt a move to Manchester City would fit, due to their previous desire to demand their full-backs to move into the middle of the park. But times are changing at the Etihad and the role John Stones is thriving in – a spare centre half urged to roam up the pitch – appears tailor made for a player of Tierney's versatility.
But it's not just compatibility which has been on the lips of City fans. Many are pointing to a biting verdict from Jamie Carragher from 2020 where he claimed Pep Guardiola was trying to isolate the Celtic hero and viewed him as the weak link in the Gunners' set-up. The former Liverpool star, speaking at the time, said: “When I was watching the game it felt like Pep Guardiola was desperately trying to expose Tierney and Mahrez,”
Tierney has come up against City on multiple occasions since and it's understood City are among of host of clubs who value the star. Newcastle have long been linked with the Arsenal man with Eddie Howe on the verge of splashing the cash this summer as they near the Champions League.
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