Arsenal pleaded to not offload Kieran Tierney in the summer

Kieran Tierney has played second fiddle to Oleksandr Zinchenko throughout the season.

The 25-year-old has struggled for game time since the arrival of the Ukrainian left-back in the summer.

Even though he has made 31 appearances this season, he has started only five Premier League games.

Both Manchester City and Newcastle United are interested in the Scottish defender.

Eddie Howe’s side are keen on the left-back after securing Champions League football for next season.

Former Gunners defender Kieran Gibbs believes it would be difficult for Arsenal to replace Tierney with another top performer.

“I think the way Mikel (Arteta) wants to play, it may not suit Kieran (Tierney) as much as it does Zinchenko,” said Gibbs

“So, that answers the question, in that respect (Do you sell Tierney?). Then you are going to need to get somebody else in. It’s tough to go and find another Zinchenko that can basically play in midfield and is that versatile and fits that style.

“I wouldn’t want Kieran to go because I think he has the capability of performing at a high level in his position. I think Zinchenko is good enough defensively. But he shouldn’t have to do that much if Arsenal are that good.”

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