It’s over for Kieran Tierney at Arsenal amid ‘huge’ claim – pundit
Kieran Tierney does not have a future in the first team at Arsenal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton said Tierney will have to fight with Oleksandr Zinchenko for a place in the starting lineup next season, if he chooses to stay at Arsenal.
Tierney has three years left on his contract at the Emirates but has been heavily linked with a move away after falling down the pecking order last term as a result of Zinchenko’s arrival from Man City.
Last month (8 July), Football Insider revealed that Tierney is the top left back target for Newcastle United.
But, as quoted by the Glasgow Times (26 July), boss Mikel Arteta insisted the 26-year-old is very much in his plans for next term.
Arteta insisted that having competition for positions is a “huge benefit” to the team.
When asked what Tierney’s role will be if he stays in London for the upcoming campaign.
“Unfortunately I think he will be a squad player,” he told Football Insider.
“I think Zinchenko is number one and it is up to Tierney to dislodge him. Does he have the potential to do it? Absolutely.
“I think he is a brilliant footballer who gives you everything. The problem for him at Arsenal is that the way they play does not suit Tierney’s strengths.
“He is a very strong 1v1 defender who likes to get up and down but I think Zinchenko is ahead of him at this moment in time.
“Tierney has what it takes to get him out. As long as he stays fit he has an opportunity but he will have a fight on his hands.“
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