Arsenal would prefer a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy for Kieran Tierney, amid reports of loan interest from Real Sociedad.
The Athletic report that whilst Real Sociedad are indeed interested in signing Kieran Tierney on loan, Arsenal would currently prefer a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy for the left-back.
Tierney also has interest from other clubs, so the Gunners are unlikely to be too receptive to the Spanish side at this point.
Matteo Moretto reports for Relevo that Arsenal and Real Sociedad have already held talks over a potential move, with Sociedad looking to reinforce their defence at left-back and centre-back.
Moretto claims Tierney could move on loan with an option to buy, but this would clearly conflict with the latest information from The Athletic.
Football insider Team News and Ticks reports that the loan offer from Real Sociedad came in a couple of weeks ago, and it is Arsenal’s last resort for Tierney.
The Gunners are still currently speaking to other clubs to see if they can get the fee they believe he merits.
As speculation around Tierney’s future continues to circulate, Mikel Arteta has publicly insisted that the defender has a part to play with Arsenal.
“He is obviously in our plans,” Arteta said two weeks ago. “He came on and did really good in pre-season, not for the first [time], and this is what we want. To increase the level of competition in the team and raise the level of each individual.
“That is going to be a huge benefit for the team to get to another level.”
Fabrizio Romano then reported that whilst Tierney’s situation has gone a little quiet, it remains one to watch later in the window.
Arsenal aren’t desperate to sell Tierney, but they’d consider a sale if a good offer arrives, so things could change quickly.
“It’s not really up to me (my future),” Tierney said of his situation. “I’m happy, I’m working hard every day and getting minutes. I’m just trying to do as well as I can.
“No (I have not had conversations with Arteta).
“You can’t play every single game, every single season, every single year. I don’t expect that and I still made a lot of appearances last year.”