Real Sociedad are unlikely to activate their option to buy in Kieran Tierney’s contract, but the player still intends to leave Arsenal this summer.

James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that whilst Real Sociedad have an option to buy Kieran Tierney this summer, the club are unlikely to activate it.

Fabrizio Romano writes that Tierney will return to Arsenal from his loan spell, and the player himself certainly didn’t sound like he’s expecting to say, writing a farewell message on Instagram.

“Thank you to everyone at Real Sociedad,” Tierney said. “What an amazing and special club. Honored to have been a part of it.

“Despite the injury setbacks, I gave everything every time I stepped on the park and you supported me all the way. It was incredible to be part of the team that made history and qualified for Europe 5 times in a row.

“Eskerrik asko (thank you), we will meet again.”

As for what’s next, McNicholas writes that there will be a conversation between Arsenal and Tierney to decide his future, but his current intention is to leave on a permanent deal.

There’s a lot of respect between the left-back and his parent club, it’s just unlikely Arsenal can offer him the regular football he wants.

After winning the Community Shield with Arsenal in August, Tierney made 26 appearances for Real Sociedad. He’s generally been a starter when fit, but some injury problems have held him back.

Tierney recently returned from an adductor injury, which had kept him out for a couple of games.

That followed a hamstring injury in September, keeping him out until late November, and another hamstring setback in January, ruling him out for another month.

The 26-year-old will have the chance to continue to work on his fitness and to show off his talents at Euro 2024 this summer, having been called up by Scotland.