Mikel Arteta has made a decision on the future for left-back Kieran Tierney

Mikel Arteta has reportedly decided on the future of Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney following the Gunners’ thrilling 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace.

Mikel Arteta makes key decision on Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal future following Crystal Palace win

Tierney, making his first start in over 19 months, had a bittersweet return to the Emirates spotlight.

The Scottish international, once a fan favorite for his tenacity and consistency, was forced to leave the pitch after just 69 minutes due to yet another injury setback.

This latest blow appears to have solidified Arsenal’s stance on his long-term future.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal will not be triggering the 12-month extension cltause in Tierney’s contract, allowing it to expire at the end of the season.

This decision reflects both the club’s concerns over Tierney’s recurring injury issues and their evolving tactical needs under Arteta’s system.

Tierney’s journey with Arsenal has been marked by both moments of brilliance and persistent struggles with fitness.

Signed from Celtic in 2019 for £25 million, the 27-year-old has made 125 appearances for the club, showcasing his commitment and passion whenever fit.

However, with the rise of more dynamic and versatile players in Arteta’s setup, Tierney has found his opportunities limited in recent seasons, even spending the last campaign on loan with Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Despite the challenges, Tierney’s professionalism and resilience have not gone unnoticed. Speaking in a recent press conference, Arteta praised the defender:

“Kieran has been training really well, and he’s shown incredible character. When a player behaves the way he has, you want to give them opportunities.”

As the January transfer window approaches, Tierney is expected to attract significant interest. His former club Celtic is reportedly keen on reuniting with their former star, while several Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation.

For Arsenal fans, Tierney’s likely departure will mark the end of an era for a player who gave his all on the pitch.

For Tierney, a fresh start could be the perfect chance to reignite his career away from the injury troubles that have plagued his time in North London.