Kieran Tierney ArsenalGetty Images

Tierney close to new five-year Arsenal deal

Kieran Tierney is close to signing a new five-year contract with Arsenal, one that would tie up the Scotland international's future at the Emirates Stadium until 2026, Goal can confirm.

The Isle of Man-born left-back has been a key figure for the Gunners since his arrival in 2019, impressing across successive campaigns for Mikel Arteta's side.

And the 24-year-old - who is currently on Euro 2020 duty with his country - will be rewarded with a bumper long-term deal, with an announcement due in the coming days.

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What will Tierney's new deal mean?

The defender's renewal in north London is a major boost for player and club, effectively ending speculation that the Gunners could lose one of their key defensive assets.

Having originally signed from Celtic, where he won the Scottish Premiership on three occasions, Tierney's signing was viewed as a coup for Arsenal, and he has certainly lived up to that billing.

A key player in their FA Cup triumph in 2019-20, the only drawback has been a string of frustrating injuries.

That he has stayed with Arsenal - even as they face a season without continental football - will raise hopes that the disappointing 2020-21 campaign was merely a blip on the radar, and that they will be able to challenge once more next year.

The bigger picture

With Tierney signed up, Arteta will be able to turn to the rest of his summer plans, as he looks to reshape the Gunners and improve on the 2020-21 season.

As confirmed by Goal, Arsenal have lodged bids for Brighton defender Ben White and Anderlecht midfielder Albert Lokonga, while Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is also a target. Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, meanwhile, is also on the club's radar.

There will also be summer departures, with the likes of David Luiz, Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard having already left the club, while Granit Xhaka is expecting to be on his way out and the future of Hector Bellerin remains uncertain.

One player who won't be leaving, meanwhile, is Emile Smith Rowe, with the Gunners not interested in selling the midfielder having rejected a £25 million offer from Aston Villa.

As for the start of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, Arsenal get their season started with a trip to newly-promoted Brentford before back-to-back games against Chelsea and Manchester City in what is a testing start for Arteta's men.

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