Arsenal legend Alan Smith reckons Kieran Tierney is "not quite an Arteta player" but should be playing every week somewhere.
The Scotland international, 26, had limited minutes at the Emirates last season with Oleksandr Zinchenko first-choice at left-back.
However, Smith is certain Tierney has immense quality - even if he is not quite the style of defender suited to a Mikel Arteta system.
Zinchenko arrived from Manchester City last summer and was a key player for Arsenal last season with Tierney reduced to a backup role.
Tierney's situation at club level - while thriving for Scotland - has led to speculation he could leave Arsenal in the summer with Newcastle and Aston Villa credited with transfer interest.
For Smith, Tierney deserves to be playing every week even if it would be a "shame" for him to leave Arsenal having become popular with supporters.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, Smith said: "It seems that he's not quite an Arteta player in terms of his playing style, but as a personality, he is.
"Kieran Tierney’s attitude is first class, but that kind of attacking left back bombing down the outside and getting crosses in doesn't seem to be the way that Arteta wants to go. He likes to play with an inverted full back.
"Defensively, one against one, he is better than Zinchenko.
"It looks like he might leave the club, which is a shame because the fans love him. They love his attitude.
"He deserves to be playing every week and whoever gets him will be signing a good player and person."
It comes after reports last week suggested Tierney would consider a stunning return to Celtic.
It's thought Tierney will consider his options during the close season with a season-long loan to Celtic not ruled out.
However, it would require a huge loan fee and a "significant compromise" over Tierney's wages.
