Declan Rice and Mikel Merino respond as emotional exit from Arsenal confirmed
Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Mikel Merino were among those to respond on social media as another emotional departure from the club was confirmed.
Arsenal are expected to undergo a significant squad reshuffle this summer, with several contracts running down and key areas in need of reinforcements.
After finishing second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season, the pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta from Arsenal fans to finally deliver silverware.
While arrivals are anticipated in the coming weeks, a number of exits are also on the cards. Jorginho has already shared his farewell with Arsenal fans, and now, another long-serving player has done the same.
Kieran Tierney set for Celtic return as Arsenal confirm summer departure
Kieran Tierney’s contract at Arsenal expires this month, and the Scottish defender has already confirmed he will be leaving the club after six years in North London.
In a message shared on Arsenal’s official Instagram, Tierney said: “It’ll be hard but it’s a happy goodbye. I’ve loved it here, loved every minute of it.”
The post received support from several teammates, including Declan Rice, Merino and William Saliba. Arsenal also confirmed his departure on 4 June, posting a list of confirmed releases and also a tribute video in a separate post, showcasing Tierney’s highlights since arriving from Celtic in 2019 [Arsenal.com]
Speculation around his exit had been growing for months, and back in February, Football Insider revealed that Tierney had agreed a return to Celtic as he will become the club’s highest-paid player in what is set to be an emotional homecoming.
Injuries have plagued Tierney’s time at Arsenal, and he has fallen down the pecking order, particularly following the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly last season.
| Club statistics | Kieran Tierney |
| Appearances | 144 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Stats | 14 |
Barcelona eye Arsenal’s Thomas Partey on free transfer
While Tierney’s exit has now been confirmed, the Gunners could lose another experienced figure this summer, with Thomas Partey also out of contract.
Arsenal remain in discussions over a deal for Partey as there is a desire from both the club and manager Arteta to retain the Ghanaian midfielder, but the situation remains uncertain.
Reports have emerged suggesting that Barcelona have entered discussions with Partey’s camp over a potential free transfer, as the Spanish giants look to strengthen their midfield.
With key senior players such as Tierney and Jorginho already departing, Arsenal are keen to avoid further disruption, but may face an uphill battle to keep Partey at the Emirates.