Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been the subject of much speculation linking him away from the club having fallen down the Gunners’ pecking order over the course of this season. As the Mirror reports, a Premier League rival club is plotting a move for the Scottish left-back as part of a summer spree.
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to take Tierney to the North East ahead of next season. Tierney, who was signed from Celtic in August 2019 for £25 million, has seen his regular starting spot taken up by former Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, and this potential interest could prove to be the end for the 25-year-old’s Arsenal career.
Despite returning to fitness following a knee injury, the Scottish international has been forced into a back-up role. As Mikel Arteta’s side tackles the run-in for the Premier League title, Tierney’s role has been limited, often named on the substitutes bench as his side push for the ultimate triumph.
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There was once a time when the idea of Tierney even contemplating a move away seemed inconceivable, having been a leading candidate to become the Gunners' next permanent captain just a year ago. Although he has only started four Premier League games this season, Tierney’s 12 substitute appearances, along with his ever-present record in the Europa League, suggests his absence will still be felt.
However, his lack of playing time in pivotal games has seemingly alerted beaten Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side appears intent on further utilising their vast resources to potentially make their own title tilt next season.
Alongside Tierney, the Magpies are plotting further big-name reinforcements, starting with young Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and in-demand Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott. While Tierney’s arrival four years ago initially proved successful, Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar felt it necessary to bring in adequate cover last summer.
This came after Tierney missed the climax of the 2021/22 campaign having undergone knee surgery, coupled with his less-than-impressive injury record since joining the club. Few would have predicted just how much the Ukraine international would hit the ground running and swiftly make that left-back berth his own.
This has limited Tierney’s starting opportunities, and has now left him with a decision to make: stay and fight for his place at Arsenal or seek a fresh start with the Geordies. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tierney will decide on his future at the end of the current campaign, adding: "Arsenal want him to be 100% focused on the second part of the season, they’re not in talks with any club now."
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