Kieran Tierney has ruled out a return to Arsenal amid left-back challenges, opting to stay with Real Sociedad for the remainder of his loan spell. After losing his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, Tierney’s absence has left Arsenal scrambling for left-back solutions.
Despite Manager Mikel Arteta improvising with center-back Jakub Kiwior and right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu on the left, calls from fans persist for Tierney’s recall to strengthen the squad. However, Tierney clarified his commitment to staying with Real Sociedad until the end of the season, dispelling speculations about an early return to Arsenal.
In response to queries from Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Tierney expressed his decision firmly: “Several people have asked me about it, but the answer is no. I will definitely stay here [in January]. The Arsenal fans are fantastic, they have always been very supportive. In the four years I’ve been there, I will always be grateful to the fans.”
With Zinchenko injured and Tomiyasu on Asian Cup duty, Arsenal faces a shortage at left-back.
Arteta acknowledged the possibility of reinforcing the squad in the transfer market during a press conference, emphasizing a focus on maximizing existing resources. However, he indicated that not signing a new defender remains one of the considered options.
Arteta stated, “We are open to the transfer market, but again the focus is on making the best of what we have. We will check with the club if we have any options or good options. We will first focus on the players we have.”
Tierney’s loan agreement with Real Sociedad does not allow for a permanent transfer, ensuring his return to Arsenal in the summer with two years remaining on his contract.
Regarding his long-term future, Tierney deferred to external decisions but expressed his enjoyment of playing for Real Sociedad: “The decision is not mine. All I can say is that I love playing for Real. And I enjoy it very much.”
