Arsenal exit on the cards for fan favourite

Kieran Tierney’s impending departure from Arsenal marks the end of an era for a player who arrived with high expectations and left an indelible mark, even if circumstances curtailed his role in recent seasons. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the Scottish left-back will rejoin Celtic this summer, though a January move remains a possibility.

Tierney, who joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 for £25 million, was once regarded as a long-term cornerstone of the Gunners’ defence. His tenacity, leadership, and marauding runs down the left flank earned him plaudits and endeared him to the Emirates faithful. However, injuries and tactical shifts under Mikel Arteta have reduced his opportunities in recent years, prompting speculation about his future.

Celtic, the club where Tierney developed into a star, have been eager to bring him home. Rodgers’ comments suggest that while a summer move is guaranteed, the Scottish champions are pushing to expedite the transfer during the current window. “Ideally, it would [happen this month], but he’s still an Arsenal player,” Rodgers said. “If we can do it beforehand, then great.”

Tierney’s struggles for game time at Arsenal this season — just five appearances, mostly as a substitute — reflect a broader change in Arteta’s system. The emergence of Oleksandr Zinchenko as a hybrid left-back-midfielder has limited Tierney’s role, and even when called upon, he has often been deployed in an uncharacteristic advanced position. Despite his professionalism and adaptability, it is clear he no longer fits the mould of Arteta’s tactical vision.

Arsenal must tread carefully with this decision. While Tierney’s exit seems inevitable, his departure leaves the squad thinner in a position that has already been linked with potential exits for other left-sided players, including Jakub Kiwior and Zinchenko. Any misstep in squad management could expose the Gunners to vulnerabilities as they compete on multiple fronts.

For Tierney, a return to Celtic offers the chance to rebuild his career in familiar surroundings. At 27, he still has plenty to offer, and his experience from competing at the highest level will undoubtedly be an asset to the Scottish champions. It is a move that feels right for all parties, even if it comes with a tinge of regret for what might have been during his Arsenal tenure.

As Arsenal consider whether to let Tierney go now or wait until summer, they must weigh their short-term needs against the long-term reality that the Scotsman’s chapter in North London is nearing its close.