Arsenal defender accepts he won’t be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans anymore; ready to leave in January: Reports

Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney is facing an uncertain future at the club, as he continues to recover from the hamstring injury he suffered over the summer while playing for Scotland in the UEFA European Championship. The setback has kept Tierney off the pitch and disrupted his career trajectory, halting what appeared to be an inevitable transfer away from the Emirates in the summer.

According to Caught Offside, Tierney had been expected to leave Arsenal following a season-long loan spell at Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old made 26 appearances for the La Liga side, impressing with his performances and reigniting interest from clubs across Europe.

However, his injury dashed hopes for a summer move. Now, Caught Offside reported that Tierney is not in Mikel Arteta’s plans, a reality the defender is said to have accepted with a degree of pragmatism.

Arteta’s tactical setup, which often sees full-backs stepping into midfield and contributing to the build-up play, has rendered Tierney surplus to requirements. Though a solid defender, the Scotsman’s traditional left-back style is not suited to the hybrid role that Arsenal’s current system demands.

However, Tierney reportedly understands this situation and bears no animosity towards the club or its management. The defender, who remains popular among Arsenal fans, knows that the team's evolution has simply outpaced his style of play.

Tierney has been included in Arsenal’s Premier League squad for the season, which technically allows him to feature once he regains full fitness. However, his chances of breaking into the starting XI appear slim.

Which clubs could make a move for the Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney?

Should Tierney pursue a January move, there are already several clubs that have expressed interest in securing his services. According to reports from Caught Offside, English and Spanish clubs were monitoring his situation during the summer transfer window before his injury setback.

While no concrete offers materialized, there remains significant interest in Tierney, with a potential price tag in the range of £25 million to £30 million reportedly sufficient to tempt Arsenal into a sale.

In England, clubs such as Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been previously linked with the left-back, both of whom could benefit from his experience and defensive prowess.

Newcastle, in particular, have been on the lookout for defensive reinforcements, as they aim to bolster their squad for a top-four Premier League finish and European competition next season. Aston Villa, with Unai Emery at the helm, might also view Tierney as a valuable asset capable of adding depth to their backline.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Real Sociedad could potentially be interested in bringing Tierney back after a solid loan spell. The Scottish international was a valuable part of their squad last season, and his return might appeal to the club, especially if they can negotiate another loan arrangement. Other La Liga clubs have also shown interest in strengthening their defense with Premier League experience.

With the January window fast approaching, Tierney’s name is expected to be on the radar of multiple clubs seeking a proven left-back with top-flight experience. Meanwhile, for Arsenal, offloading Tierney on a loan deal could make sense, providing the player with a chance to regain form and fitness, while the club works towards finding a more permanent solution next summer.