Arsenal in stunning transfer u-turn, seeing wantaway star staying put

Arsenal in stunning transfer u-turn, seeing wantaway star staying put: report

Arsenal could significantly change their transfer plans this summer following a spectacular u-turn over one player

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 03, 2023 in London, England.
(Image credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal have had a change of heart in the transfer market, with a significant u-turn being reported in their summer plans.

The Gunners remain in the hunt for Declan Rice and Kai Havertz as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of last season’s second-placed finish. Mikel Arteta is also rumoured to be seeking a full-back and another midfielder.

In the opposite direction, Folarin Balogun – who scored his first international goal for the United States – looks to be on his way out of north London. But one star whose transfer seemed inevitable could yet stay put, according to one report.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has big plans this summer (Image credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to FootballTransfers, Kieran Tierney has talks with Arsenal and now looks like remaining a member of the squad next season.

The Scottish left-back has barely featured in the last 12 months, following the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been linked with his signature.

According to this new report, however, Arteta plans to line up with a back three more often next season and would like Tierney to stay, with talks “progressing” over him rejecting a move away from north London.

It is certainly possible that Arteta would like to have a similar dynamic on his left side to the one that he introduced last season with Ben White. Whether he trusts Tierney in possession enough is another matter, with the 26-year-old starting just six times all season in the Premier League, despite being named in the squad for all 38 matchdays.

Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney during the Arsenal Media Day at the Arsenal Training Ground at London Colney on August 01, 2022 in St Albans, England.

Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney looked close to an exit towards the end of last season (Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
In the final two games of the season, Arteta opted for Jakub Kiwior at left-back despite an injury to Zinchenko, seemingly confirming that the Pole is now the second choice in the role.

Tierney is valued at €25 million by Transfermarkt.

Arsenal transfer news is ramping up this summer, with the Gunners set to loosen their wage structure to attract the best players.

Moises Caicedo is heavily linked, Xavi Simons is on the radar, Ivan Fresneda could join and Ilkay Gundogan is wanted, too. Arsenal could sell £100m worth of players, too – with William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey all wanted by clubs overseas.

Jay Bothroyd, meanwhile, has told FFT that the Gunners perhaps surprisingly, should be in the market for a striker.

Get the FourFourTwo Newsletter
Your Email Address
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands
Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Mark White
Mark White
Staff Writer
Mark White has been a staff writer on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, writing pieces for both online and the magazine. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also been to the FA Cup and League Cup finals for FFT and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson’s season at Barcelona to Robinho’s career. He once saw Tyrone Mings at a petrol station in Bournemouth but felt far too short to ask for a photo.

MORE ABOUT STORIES
Hirsto Stoichkov Parma
Private jets and press conferences: Why Hristo Stoichkov at Parma was doomed to fail in the 1990s

Parma’s players celebrate with their trophy after beating Olympique de Marseille’s 3-0, 12 May 1999 at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the 28th UEFA soccer Cup final between Olympique de Marseille and Parma AC.
The rise of Parma from Serie B to European champions – where reserve goalkeeper Marco Ballotta would drive the team bus

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag walks off at halftime during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on April 08, 2023 in Manchester, England.
Manchester United in pole position for £50m goalkeeper signing: report

SEE MORE LATEST ►
MOST POPULAR
Manchester City exodus ahead, with SIX players set for exits: report
By Mark White15 June 2023

Joey Barton says football ‘isn’t real pressure’ as he reveals the Jungian philosophy he leans on to understand and improve his players
By Ryan Dabbs15 June 2023

How Declan Rice would take Arsenal to the next level
By Ryan Dabbs15 June 2023

‘Uri Geller made the ball move’: Gary McAllister looks back at one of the worst days of his life when Scotland lost 2-0 at Wembley during Euro 96
By Ryan Dabbs15 June 2023