Speculation is rife that Kieran Tierney may be preparing for an exit from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Kieran Tierney Arsenal exit - Arsenal's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney acknowledges supporters at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023.  (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney acknowledges supporters at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Reports suggest Kieran Tierney is considering an Arsenal exit, with Aston Villa and Newcastle showing interest.
  • The defender’s lack of game time this season and change in Arteta’s tactics might have contributed to this potential move.
  • Arsenal could benefit from a potential bidding war between Aston Villa and Newcastle, potentially boosting their transfer funds.

Rumours are rife that Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium. With both Aston Villa and Newcastle reportedly keen on the defender, Arsenal may be set to benefit from a windfall should a bidding war ensue.

Kieran Tierney Arsenal exit - LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Vladimir Coufal of West Ham United tackles Kieran Tierney of Arsenal  during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Vladimir Coufal of West Ham United tackles Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Tierney’s potential departure has been a subject of speculation in recent times, notably due to his limited game time in the Premier League this season. The Scottish international, who was previously a regular in the squad, has mostly been fielded in cup matches, leading to questions about his future with the Gunners.

A tactical shift by Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has likely compounded this issue. Arteta has taken to utilising inverted full-backs following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko, a strategy that has seen Tierney, with his unique skillset, shifted into midfield to contribute to the build-up.

Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

When questioned about the possibility of Tierney’s departure back in February, Arteta remarked, “I don’t know, I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about what’s best for the team and the players who earn the right to play minutes, that they all deserve.”

Interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle could present a silver lining for Arsenal in this scenario.

With both clubs set to play in Europe next season, the need for quality additions to their squads is pressing.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal receives tips from Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal receives tips from Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The prospect of a bidding war for Tierney could potentially drive up the transfer fee, offering Arsenal a financial boost that could be redirected towards new signings.

Unai Emery, the former Arsenal boss now at the helm of Aston Villa, is reportedly keen on Tierney, adding further intrigue to the transfer saga.

If Tierney is indeed set to exit, his departure might open the doors to a lucrative deal for Arsenal, redefining their transfer strategies and shaping the club’s future trajectory.