Arsenal are preparing for a huge summer transfer window, where Mikel Arteta has admitted that "tough" decisions will have to be made to progress the squad forward. That likely means moving on some players, no matter how much sentiment is there over their time at the club.
Many have speculated that Kieran Tierney could be one of those players on the move, with the Scotland international struggling to get into the side. The arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko has seen the side move towards using inverted full-backs to help create their build-up from the back.
Arteta has attempted to transform Tierney into a similar role, but the defender's attributes are far more suited to overlapping and attacking down the flank. It's seen him fall out of favour, but recent weeks have made a stronger case for the defender to make his way back into the side.
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There have been questions over the defending capabilities of Zinchenko, who has been a liability at times when moving into full-back off the ball. Tierney strengthened that in a cameo against Newcastle, where he managed to follow his marker and make a huge block to deny the Magpies late on.
It has given hope that Tierney could have a place in the team, but perhaps an even stronger case can be made if he were to play his natural role. While Arteta is keen to build up in the way that he does, the best teams often have several ways of solving problems across the pitch.
The Spaniard has that in his forward line, with plenty of players to choose from, but in both midfield and the backline, there are few options to change the plan. Tierney offers just that though, able to carry the ball with width as opposed to tucking inside, adding a different dimension to the side.
With the addition of Champions League football to contend with next season, there should be plenty of chances for the 25-year-old to earn minutes, with the need for quality in depth across the season. It remains to be seen if the Gunners make a u-turn on the potential transfer decision, but it's one they should be careful before rushing into.
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