Arsenal’s defender Kieran Tierney is on the brink of a season-long loan move to Spanish club Real Sociedad.

  • Kieran Tierney is close to a season-long loan move to Real Sociedad, following negotiations with Arsenal.
  • The initial asking price of £35m was lowered to £25m, with the current deal not including an obligation to buy at the time of writing.
  • Tierney’s choice reflects his ambition for regular playing time and Champions League football, with a medical scheduled at San Sebastian.

According to recent reports, Tierney’s transfer to Real Sociedad seems imminent, with the player expected to travel to San Sebastian for a medical examination this weekend.

Tierney, under contract with Arsenal until 2026, has reportedly expressed his desire for a temporary move, a decision with which Arsenal has expressed understanding.

Asking price and negotiations

Kieran Tierney Arsenal exit - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on May 07, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards noted that Arsenal initially tried to secure a £35m fee for Tierney but later lowered the asking price to £25m.

Speaking on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast from BBC Sounds, Edwards offered insight into the negotiations: “If he goes to Real Sociedad, I think that’s a really good move for him. I think that will be a loan, Arsenal have tried to get a £35m fee and I think they’ve lowered the asking price to £25m.

“If it is a loan, it will come with an obligation to buy – I think that’s the sticking point.”

Tierney’s time at Arsenal

Arsenal's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney looks on after his shirt was torn during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and FC Zurich at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on November 3, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney looks on after his shirt was torn during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and FC Zurich at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on November 3, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The 26-year-old defender has had his ups and downs with Arsenal, including some injury problems.

However, Edwards noted Tierney’s popularity with fans.

Despite not featuring in the Premier League for Arsenal this season, Tierney did make an appearance in the FA Community Shield, substituting for the now injured Jurrien Timber in the second half.

The perspective of the player

Arsenal's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (L) fights for the ball with Monaco's Senegalese midfielder Krepin Diatta during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and Monaco at The Emirates Stadium in north London on August 2, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (L) fights for the ball with Monaco’s Senegalese midfielder Krepin Diatta during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and Monaco at The Emirates Stadium in north London on August 2, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

For Tierney, the move aligns with his ambition to play consistently and to participate in the Champions League. Reflecting on his future, Tierney said recently: “It’s not really up to me, I’m happy, I’m working hard every day and getting minutes. I’m just trying to do as well as I can.”

Other interests and obstacles

Besides Real Sociedad, there were talks of interest from Celtic and Newcastle United, though neither side made a substantial offer. The 26-year-old’s wages emerged as a potential obstacle in the negotiations.

With Tierney’s move to Real Sociedad seemingly close to completion, both Arsenal and the player appear content with the arrangement.

The transfer showcases a strategic alignment between Tierney’s professional aspirations and Arsenal’s willingness to accommodate their defender’s goals.

As Real Sociedad prepares for their match against Real Madrid post the international break, Tierney’s contribution to the club will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest.

Real Sociedad is currently 13th in La Liga, with two draws in their opening fixtures.