Kieran Tierney Linked with Juventus Move Amid Lack of Playing Time at Arsenal

Arsenal’s Scottish left-back, Kieran Tierney, is attracting interest from Italian giants, Juventus, according to reports. Tierney joined the Gunners in 2019 to replace long-serving Nacho Monreal, becoming the first-choice left-back under former manager Unai Emery.

Despite injury struggles, Tierney signed a new long-term contract in the summer of 2021, tying him to the club until 2026. However, this season, the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko has seen Tierney drop to second-choice left-back.

Despite his limited game time, Tierney has still managed to start in all six of Arsenal’s Europa League group stage games and both of their FA Cup fixtures. He’s made just four starts in the Premier League this season.

If the 25-year-old decides to leave the North London club in search of regular game time, Juventus could be an attractive option. Inter Milan is also reported to be keeping a close eye on the former Celtic player.

The possibility of Tierney’s departure from Arsenal could arise if the club wins the race to sign Spanish right-back, Ivan Fresneda, from Real Valladolid.

Fresneda has been the subject of interest from several clubs, including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, and Liverpool. However, the 18-year-old is reportedly set to choose between Arsenal and Dortmund after both clubs agreed a fee with Valladolid.

Despite the reported interest, the club’s sporting director, Fran Sanchez, has stated that they have not received a formal bid for Fresneda. In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Sanchez said, “It is true that several clubs have contacted us and that the interest of many clubs is real, but there is no official offer. We are not desperate trying to sell the player.”

Tierney has made a significant impact in his three and a half years at Arsenal, contributing five goals and 13 assists in 111 appearances. He’s also been a key player in their recent successes, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield. Although he’s played 66 minutes in the recent FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, he’s been an unused substitute in three of Arsenal’s last six Premier League games.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has yet to sanction any permanent exits in the January transfer window, with Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion and Spezia respectively. The Gunners sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and will play away to Everton on Saturday.

Kieran Tierney’s limited game time at Arsenal this season has seen him emerge as a transfer target for Juventus. The Scottish player has been a valuable asset for the Gunners, contributing five goals and 13 assists in 111 appearances and winning the FA Cup and Community Shield.

Whether or not Tierney decides to leave the club in search of regular game time remains to be seen, but his future could be influenced by the outcome of Arsenal’s pursuit of Ivan Fresneda.