Arteta wants to solve Arsenal problem as star admits Tierney doesn't talk to him
Arsenal are planning to sign a left-back this summer as they weigh up permanently ending Kieran Tierney's time at the club.
Tierney, 26, has been spending the current campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, a move which was sought out after Mikel Arteta made Oleksandr Zinchenko his starting left-back last season. Since then, the Gunners have signed two more players who can play in the role, in Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior.
Despite being contracted until June 2026 - with Tierney having signed a new long-term deal three years ago - the Scotland international doesn't appear to be part of Arsenal's future plans, and his recent admission that he isn't in direct contract with Arteta looks to explain the Gunners' transfer strategy.
Last week, Tierney revealed when asked about his future during an interview with talkSPORT: "We'll see. I'm not talking to Arteta, he's busy [at Arsenal]."
In the wake of Sunday's surprise 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, the Athletic claims that signing a left-back is on Arsenal's to-do list ahead of the summer transfer window. Zinchenko was picked to start against Villa ahead of Kiwior - who missed training after coming off against Bayern Munich - and the Ukrainian was criticised for his performance, with particular emphasis on his role in Villa's opening goal.
Although Zinchenko's importance in build-up play was key for the Gunners last season, their defensive record this term improved once Kiwior replaced him due to injury. The 24-year-old, who arrived from Italian side Spezia last January, has formed a good relationship with winger Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.
Neither Kiwior nor Zinchenko actually began the season at left-back with £38million signing Timber getting the nod - because of
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