Kieran Tierney and Mikel Arteta have held talks over his Arsenal lack of game-time.
The former Celtic star was one of the first names on the team sheet in previous campaigns but he's found himself sidelined this time around thanks to the stunning form of summer recruit Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. His form and consistency has limited the Scotland international to small cameos off the bench of late with the left-back picking up just NINE minutes of English Premier League action in the past eight games.
Speculation has been mounting over the future of the Hoops diehard at the Emirates due to his lack of minutes. Most of his starts have come in the Europa League or domestic cup competitions and he would have been in line to face Sporting Lisbon later today but is expected to be been ruled out in a blow to both the player and Scotland boss Steve Clarke - who would have been keen on one of his star man getting time on the park ahead of the start of the crucial Euro 20204 qualifiers at the end of the month with Cyprus and Spain first up.
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Newcastle and Eddie Howe are believed to been keen admirers of the ex-Celtic favourite with a fee over the £30million mark reported to land his services. Tierney is still contracted for three further seasons in North London but former Rangers midfielder and boss Arteta says discussions have taken place and both are of a similar opinion on the current situation.
Speaking to Football London, he said: "[It was] Very good because we talked and we discussed the situation and we had a very similar opinion about that.
"He knows his role – under me he’s played a lot, more than any other player probably compared to the previous players at the club in the last three years and he understands the situation and he needs to challenge the situation."
Arsenal currently lead the way at the top of the EPL standings with a five point cushion over Manchester City in second with 12 games to play.
The Gunners are also one of the favourites to win the Europa League as they target success both domestically and on the European stage this season.
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