Kieran Tierney has dismissed the prospect of rejoining Arsenal mid-season, opting to stay with Real Sociedad for the duration of his loan stint. Arsenal, grappling with left-back challenges after Tierney lost his starting spot to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is currently sidelined, has experimented with makeshift solutions involving center-back Jakub Kiwior and right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left flank.
Despite calls from fans urging Tierney’s return, the player has affirmed his commitment to Real Sociedad, dispelling any speculations of an early comeback to Arsenal. Responding to inquiries from Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Tierney made his stance clear: “Several people have asked me about it, but the answer is no. I will definitely stay here [in January]. The Arsenal fans are fantastic, they have always been very supportive. In the four years I’ve been there, I will always be grateful to the fans.”
Arsenal, currently dealing with a left-back shortage due to Zinchenko’s injury and Tomiyasu’s participation in the Asian Cup, may consider reinforcements in the transfer market. Manager Mikel Arteta, addressing this possibility in a press conference, emphasized a commitment to optimizing existing resources while acknowledging the consideration of not acquiring a new defender.
“We are open to the transfer market, but again the focus is on making the best of what we have. We will check with the club if we have any options or good options. We will first focus on the players we have,” stated Arteta.
Tierney’s loan agreement with Real Sociedad precludes a permanent transfer, ensuring his return to Arsenal in the summer with two years left on his contract. Regarding his long-term future, Tierney deferred to external decisions but conveyed his enjoyment of playing for Real Sociedad: “The decision is not mine. All I can say is that I love playing for Real. And I enjoy it very much.”
