Arsenal star Kieran Tierney has secured a season-long loan transfer to Real Sociedad in La Liga, according to a tweet from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
A verbal agreement is reportedly in place between the two clubs – Tierney has also accepted the offer from the Spaniards. Sociedad will cover the cost of Tierney’s wages at Arsenal, but no other fees have been mentioned.
Several other clubs, such as Celtic and Newcastle United, had also been interested in a move for Tierney – now, they will need to turn their attention elsewhere. He could still remain as a long-term option for them – there is no option to buy clause in the Scot’s contract at Sociedad.
In Romano’s tweet, he wrote: “Kieran Tierney to Real Sociedad, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with Arsenal on loan deal — no buy option clause. Tierney has accepted, medical being scheduled after clubs exchange all documents. Salary will be covered until June.”
Will Arsenal miss Kieran Tierney?
While Tierney is a fine player and an excellent option in the left-back role, it is difficult to argue that Arsenal will miss his services. Mikel Arteta does not seem to be his biggest fan, only using him as a last resort.
For example, in the Gunners’ recent 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, he chose to play Takehiro Tomiyasu – a natural right-back – at left back instead of Tierney. In that game, the Scottish international failed to even make the matchday squad.
It seems that there is no place for Tierney in the Arsenal squad at this moment. As such, a loan move away to a club where he will receive regular first team football makes a lot of sense.
Who is Arsenal’s best option at left-back currently?
Arsenal’s best left-back is Oleksandr Zinchenko – thankfully for the Gunners, he is now fully fit after returning from injury. Should he experience another spell on the sidelines, however, they could be faced with something of crisis in that position.
Arteta is not afraid to field players outside of their natural positions – this has been evidenced by playing Jurrien Timber and Tomiyasu at left-back this season.
