In a summer of surprising transfer news, one of the most unexpected developments involves ex-Celtic star and current Arsenal left-back, Kieran Tierney.

While it was widely speculated that Celtic would be keen on bringing Tierney back, it appears the interest is coming from La Liga’s Real Sociedad.

The Spanish club has been closely monitoring the Scottish defender, and Arsenal have indeed received an enquiry for a season-long loan.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal pushes Cole Palmer of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal pushes Cole Palmer of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
  • Real Sociedad has shown interest in singing Kieran Tierney from Arsenal on a season-long loan, with no official offer from Celtic despite rumours
  • Arsenal have welcomed Jurrien Timber from Ajax in a £34 million deal, adding more competition to Tierney’s position at the club.
  • The potential move to Sociedad could see Tierney team up with former Rangers striker Umar Sadiq, in what promises to be an exciting season for the Spanish club.

Real Sociedad’s unexpected interest in Tierney

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)

A twist in the transfer saga of Kieran Tierney has emerged as La Liga side Real Sociedad have made an official enquiry for the Arsenal defender.

This comes despite widespread speculation that Celtic would make a move to bring back their former star.

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Arsenal’s defensive shuffle

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 Gunners’ recent Community Shield victory over Man City featured Tierney coming off the bench, a role he might find himself in more often this season.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko still ahead of him at left-back, and new signing Jurrien Timber being tested in various defensive positions, Tierney’s future at Arsenal is under the microscope.

Tierney’s potential move and its implications

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)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has assured Tierney that he does have a future in North London.

However, Newcastle and Aston Villa have been previously linked with the Scottish defender, and the entry of Real Sociedad adds a new dimension to the story.

Real Sociedad, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, is looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their Champions League appearance.

The potential move would also see Tierney link up with Umar Sadiq, a former Rangers flop who found success elsewhere and recently made a £17 million move to Sociedad.

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