Kieran Tierney Remains in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal Plans Despite Nottingham Forest Omission
Key Highlights :
Kieran Tierney's future at Arsenal remains uncertain, but Mikel Arteta has insisted the Scotland international remains very much in his plans for the season ahead. The 25-year-old was left out of the team for Arsenal's Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, sparking speculation that the defender would be leaving The Emirates this summer.
However, Arteta has made it clear that Tierney is still part of his plans, and that he was disappointed to be left out of the weekend's game. New signing Jurrien Timber started at left-back in favour of Tierney at the weekend, but the former Ajax defender limped off with what appears to be an ACL injury, leaving his involvement in the season ahead up in the air.
When asked about Tierney in today's press conference ahead of Arsenal's next game against Crystal Palace, Arteta was cagey and firm in his response. Answering a question about Tierney being in his plans, the Spaniard said: "Well, he played the Community Shield. How can a player that played five days before (the league started) not be in my plans?" And then when asked if Tierney was disappointed to be left out versus Forest, Arteta added: "I hope so."
Speculation had been mounting that Tierney could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer, with Newcastle United reportedly interested in signing the full-back. However, it has emerged this morning that the Premier League side are working on an alternative option, submitting a bid believed to be worth £35million for Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall.
It remains to be seen whether Tierney will stay at Arsenal this season, but for now it appears that he remains very much in Arteta's plans. The Gunners boss has made it clear that he has told the 25-year-old that he will be involved in his first team during the season ahead, and it will be interesting to see if Tierney can make an impact at The Emirates this season.
