Football.London has reported that Arsenal might cash in on Kieran Tierney amid interest from Leicester City this summer. In a recent episode of the Transfer Window podcast, transfer expert Duncan Castles had also mentioned the Foxes as potential candidates for the injury-prone left-back when he said (transcripted by Football.London), “There is a fit there [for Chilwell at Chelsea].
“I think it’s important that Brendan Rodgers, when he was entering Leicester City and looking at last summer’s transfer market, Chilwell was a player he was prepared to let go.
“He felt he could secure a substantial transfer fee for him and if he did the player he had in mind to purchase was Kieran Tierney.”
Tierney’s Poor Run With Injuries At The English Capital
It is believed that the Gunners are trying to sell Tierney so that they can raise some funds for incoming transfers in the upcoming transfer window (via Football.London). Since sealing a move from Celtic last summer, the Scottish defender has endured an underwhelming season at North London following a tough run with injuries. He has had problems with both his hip and shoulder which has seen him miss out on a significant chunk of this campaign.
Tierney has featured in 12 matches for the Gunners this term, picking up two assists and two yellow cards in the process across all fronts. However, he deserves credit for being consistent during his time on the pitch after averaging 1.4 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.8 clearances, 1.1 key passes, 1.6 crosses and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes of football in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League this season (stats via whoscored).
The 23-year-old has also secured 12 senior caps for the Scottish national team but is still waiting to net his first goal for his country. Things have not worked out for him at Arsenal this season, so maybe a change of scenery could help him reignite his career in both club and international football.
What Does The 12-Time Scotland International Bring To The Table?
When fit and firing on all cylinders, Tierney can use his speed and acceleration to make some lung-bursting runs down the left flank. He is a tireless worker who can be a decent defender inside his own half. The Scottish full-back is also strong in the air and can pull off a few crucial interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his team. However, he needs to prove his fitness first before he can earn the trust of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Are The Gunners Making The Right Call By Cashing In On Tierney This Summer?
For now, the North London giants would be better off retaining Tierney’s services for at least another season. There is no hiding from the fact that he has struggled with injuries so far in his brief Arsenal career, but his previous form at Celtic Park proves how consistent he can be at both ends of the field. Hence, Arteta should consider keeping him at the club beyond this summer as his decision to cash in on him this summer could turn out to be the wrong call in the long-run.
The Gunners have often relied on Sead Kolasinac to be their first-choice left-back this season while Arteta has also used Bukayo Saka as a makeshift left-back during his managerial spell at the Emirates Stadium. However, Tierney is more than capable of dethroning both of them by securing the left-back spot permanently at the English capital. But for that to happen, he needs to prove his fitness and show some signs of improvement in the coming months before the new season gets underway later this year.
