Did Kieran Tierney just aim a dig at Mikel Arteta? Arsenal loanee issues decisive response to early Emirates return rumours as defender praises atmosphere at Real Sociedad games

The 26-year-old full-back is taking in a season-long loan at Real Sociedad, with game time proving hard to come by at Emirates Stadium. The Scotland international has no intention of heading back to north London during a winter transfer window that could see a break clause activated.

Tierney has said in The Athletic: “Several people have asked me about this but the answer is no. I am definitely staying here. Arsenal fans are great, they always gave me a lot of support. During the four years I was there, I will always be grateful to the fans. I don’t want to speak badly about the Premier League because there are some great atmospheres, but in Spain it really is amazing. If you hear fans from Osasuna and Cadiz, they don’t stop singing. It is great here.”

He went on to say, with the decision taken to embrace a new challenge after four seasons in England: “I signed to be here for one year, I am happy. I cannot say what will happen next but I am enjoying every day. The decision (to join Real Sociedad permanently) is not mine to take. But it is true that I love it here, and I’m enjoying it very much. As soon as the opportunity to come (to Real Sociedad) emerged, I was totally convinced about it. 100 per cent. I knew that it would be tough without my family and I cannot be with my friends, but I can assure you I am really enjoying everything. I am happy. I do not miss my home.”

Tierney, who faces competition from the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu at Arsenal, insists he has no issue with how he was managed prior to his 2023 loan departure. He has, however, admitted that Arteta overlooked him on a regular basis despite being fully fit. The Scot said: “It is fine! This is football, I have no problem with my situation (of being on the bench when he was there). I had almost no injuries, but it is football.”

Tierney is under contract at Arsenal until 2026, but his efforts in Spain could earn him a permanent move in the summer of 2024 – either to Sociedad or another suitor that takes note of his performances while turning out in La Liga on a regular basis.