Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has admitted that he hasn’t held conversations with boss Mikel Arteta over his future, despite having been strongly linked with a move away from the club in the last six months.
The Scot started just six times in the Premier League last season, after the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko pushed him down the pecking order. In the final games of the season, even centre-back Jakub Kiwior was preferred to the left-back in his natural position.
As a result, Tierney has been strongly linked with a move away from north London, and both Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been reported to be interested, with both sides looking to strengthen ahead of a rare season in Europe.
31 Aug 2022 – Arsenal v Aston Villa – Premier League – Emirates Stadium
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney during the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy 2JXG5X8 31 Aug 2022 – Arsenal v Aston Villa – Premier League – Emirates Stadium
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney during the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Picture : Mark Pain / Alamy (Alamy Stock Photo)
Manchester City are also thought to hold an interest in the fullback with Pep Guardiola’s side on the hunt for a new fullback this summer after Joao Cancelo fell out of favour with the Spanish head coach.
However, Tierney has admitted that he is happy in north London, though he added that he hasn’t spoken to Arteta about leaving the club.
“No” [we haven’t spoken]. “It’s not really up to me. I’m happy, I’m working hard every day, getting minutes. I’m just trying to do as well as I can,” the defender told The Athletic. “You can’t play every single game, every single season, every single year. I don’t expect that.”
“In the games I did play I tried to do my best for the team. I came off the bench a lot last season, whether that was to see games out or help get a goal.”