Kieran Tierney has described his return to action for Arsenal in their Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace as “amazing,” despite being on the verge of leaving the club.
Mikel Arteta deemed the 27-year-old Scotland international surplus to requirements, leading him to spend the 2023-24 season on loan at Real Sociedad. However, he was called upon for Arsenal’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, marking his 125th appearance for the club he joined five years ago.
Reacting to the warm reception from Arsenal fans, Tierney shared on social media: “Feels amazing to be back out at the Emirates! Thank you so much for the reception… always grateful. Onto the semis.”
Despite his positive return, it is unlikely Tierney will have many more appearances in an Arsenal shirt. Reports have emerged that Arsenal have decided against activating the one-year extension option in Tierney’s contract ahead of the January transfer window. This decision means the left-back is free to negotiate with overseas clubs starting from January 1.
Arsenal could still look to sell Tierney in the upcoming transfer window to avoid losing him as a free agent next summer. The 27-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs, including potential suitors in England. One of the more emotional moves could see Tierney return to Celtic, the club where he rose to prominence and won four Scottish league titles. However, such a move would require Tierney to take a wage cut, as his current salary at Arsenal is beyond what Celtic could afford.
Should Tierney leave, Arsenal would still have plenty of options at left-back, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber. Additionally, 18-year-old Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed when called upon, further pushing Tierney down the pecking order at the Emirates.
In the win over Crystal Palace, Arteta substituted Tierney in the 69th minute after he experienced cramp, with the teenager, Lewis-Skelly, replacing him in the lineup.
As Tierney looks ahead to potential moves in January, it seems that Arsenal is nearing the end of his time, though his contributions over the years will certainly remain unforgettable.
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