Kieran Tierney Set for January Exit? Arsenal’s Transfer Plans Heat Up

Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title took another hit on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park. The result leaves the Gunners six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who themselves dropped points in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Fulham.

Despite dominating possession and restricting Everton’s offensive threats, Arsenal struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration after the game, emphasizing his team’s strong performance but lamenting their inefficiency in the final third. The inability to capitalize on chances has sparked questions about the squad’s readiness to mount a serious title challenge.

One of the most intriguing subplots from the match revolved around Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old academy graduate who made his senior league debut at left-back. Naturally a midfielder, Lewis-Skelly impressed in an unfamiliar role, continuing a solid run after his Champions League appearance against Monaco.

However, his deployment in this position raised eyebrows as Kieran Tierney, once a mainstay at left-back, remained on the bench yet again. Tierney, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury sustained at Euro 2024, has been included in Arsenal’s matchday squads over the past month but is yet to feature this season.

The Scotsman’s absence has fueled speculation about his future at the club. With the January transfer window approaching, Arteta’s decision to favor other options—including Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Thomas Partey—suggests that Tierney’s time at Arsenal may be nearing its end. At 27 years old and with only 18 months remaining on his contract, a winter transfer could be on the cards.

Arteta has remained tight-lipped about Arsenal’s plans for January but hinted that the club is prepared for potential moves. Given Tierney’s limited opportunities and Arsenal’s depth in the left-back position, a departure could benefit both player and club. With Tierney’s quality and experience, the Gunners could secure a respectable transfer fee while allowing the Scotland international to revive his career elsewhere.