Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney heading for exit as Celtic prepare to battle Premier League clubs for his signature

According to The Athletic, the Gunners had the option to prolong the 27-year-old left-back's current deal, which expires in June, by an additional year but have chosen not to exercise it. The Scotland international has already been informed of the situation, allowing him to prepare for his next career move.

With Tierney’s contract winding down, he is now eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England as early as January 1. Additionally, there is potential for a permanent move during the upcoming transfer window as the defender clearly does not feature in Mikel Arteta's plans. Interest in the defender remains strong, with clubs from England and his former team Celtic ready to battle Premier League clubs for his signature, according to the Telegraph.

Tierney joined Arsenal in 2019 from Celtic for a reported fee of £25 million, heralded as a promising addition to the Gunners' backline. However, his tenure in north London has been marked by injuries that have limited his contributions. Over his time with Arsenal, Tierney has made 125 appearances, but recurring fitness issues have hampered his consistency on the pitch. The left-back featured in Arsenal’s EFL Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, where he played 69 minutes in the team’s 3-2 triumph.

By not extending Tierney’s contract, the Gunners are potentially making room for other defensive reinforcements or prioritizing players who align more closely with their long-term plans. As he prepares to exit Arsenal, his career in north London will be remembered as a mix of promise and misfortune. Arsenal will once again face the Eagles on Saturday evening in a Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park.