Mikel Arteta wants to solve Arsenal problem as star admits he doesn't talk to Gunners boss

Arsenal are planning to sign a left-back this summer as they weigh up permanently ending Kieran Tierney’s time at the club.

Tierney, 26, has been spending the current campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, a move which was sought out after Mikel Arteta made Oleksandr Zinchenko his starting left-back last season. Since then, the Gunners have signed two more players who can play in the role, in Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior.

Despite being contracted until June 2026 – with Tierney having signed a new long-term deal three years ago – the Scotland international doesn’t appear to be part of Arsenal’s future plans, and his recent admission that he isn’t in direct contract with Arteta looks to explain the Gunners’ transfer strategy.

Last week, Tierney revealed when asked about his future during an interview with talkSPORT: “We’ll see. I’m not talking to Arteta, he’s busy [at Arsenal].”

In the wake of Sunday’s surprise 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, the Athletic claims that signing a left-back is on Arsenal’s to-do list ahead of the summer transfer window. Zinchenko was picked to start against Villa ahead of Kiwior – who missed training after coming off against Bayern Munich – and the Ukrainian was criticised for his performance, with particular emphasis on his role in Villa’s opening goal.

Although Zinchenko’s importance in build-up play was key for the Gunners last season, their defensive record this term improved once Kiwior replaced him due to injury. The 24-year-old, who arrived from Italian side Spezia last January, has formed a good relationship with winger Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.

Neither Kiwior nor Zinchenko actually began the season at left-back with £38million signing Timber getting the nod – because of Zinchenko’s enforced absence. But the former Ajax defender didn’t even manage a full 90 minutes before rupturing his ACL in August.

Your turn! Which left-back should Arsenal sign this summer? Join the debate in the comments section.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – DECEMBER 17: Kieran Tierney of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Real Betis at Reale Arena on December 17, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Should Arsenal recruit an out-and-out left-back, then at least Zinchenko (who began his career as a midfielder), Timber and Kiwior would have opportunities in different roles. As for Tierney, however, there’d be even less of a chance of reclaiming his place at the Emirates and would almost certainly lead to a permanent exit.

Staying at Real Sociedad could be an option for the ex-Celtic star, although team-mate Javi Galan has made the left-back berth his own since arriving from Atletico Madrid in January. Still, Tierney insists that his time in Spain has been “an incredible experience,” adding: “I enjoy it. It’s a shame that there is so little time left.”

The same could be said for his Arsenal career.

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