Arsenal have confirmed that they are set to be without the services of Scottish defender Kieran Tierney for some time. The Scottish left-back was ruled out of Monday’s aberration against Crystal Palace, with some reports suggesting that he had sustained a serious knee injury.
Arsenal released a statement confirming that he will undergo surgery for the problem and is now likely to miss the remainder of the campaign. Whilst it remains to be seen when the Scottish defender will return, some will hope that the Gunners turn to the upcoming transfer window as a means to cope with his extended absence.
Nuno Tavares, a signing from Benfica last summer, deputised at Selhurst Park on Monday but was dragged off at the break - that following a first-half substitution during his last start against Nottingham Forest. Whilst the Portuguese clearly has promise, it appears to be too early for him to be Tierney’s long-term successor at the Emirates Stadium.
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That could well mean an extended run for one of Cedric Soares, Bukayo Saka or even Granit Xhaka in the position for the remainder of the campaign but Arsenal have already been presented with the perfect opportunity to add to their left-back ranks ahead of next season.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal, alongside Chelsea, were linked with a move for VfB Stuttgart left-back Borna Sosa. The 24-year-old Croatian has sparkled for the Bundesliga outfit over recent seasons - particularly this term.
He already has two goals and eight assists to his name in all competitions despite Stuttgart’s domestic struggles. Sosa has also performed admirably alongside Gunners’ loanee Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Whilst the Greek could likely have a friendly word in the defender’s ear, another Stuttgart employee might also be able to help Arsenal should they revive their interest. Sven Mislintat has served as the Bundesliga club’s sporting director since April 2019 following his departure from the Emirates Stadium.
Whilst he would likely want to rake in as high a price as possible for one of Stuttgart’s prized assets, his previous relationship with Arsenal could see the Gunners emerge as potential frontrunners for Sosa. Again, a deal will not be cheap, with the defender having three years left to run on his current deal, but it could certainly be one that the Gunners explore in the continued absence of Tierney.
