I'm not talking to Mikel Arteta - I don't know whether I’ll play for Arsenal again

Kieran Tierney insists his season-long loan with Real Sociedad has been an «incredible experience» — but says he has yet to speak to Mikel Arteta about his future at Arsenal.

The Scotland international made the move tothe Gunners from Celtic in 2019 and established himself as the club's first-choice left-back before Oleksandr Zinchenko arrived from Manchester City in 2022.

But after making just one appearance in all competitions last season, the 26-year-old joined La Liga side Real Sociedad on a season-long loan. Tierney says he is thoroughly enjoying his time at the Reale Arena and is sad that, after 15 appearances, his time in Spain is coming to an end.

“Honestly, this is an incredible experience, I enjoy it," Tierney told talkSPORT. «It’s a shame that there is so little time left, there are a good six or seven weeks left of the season.»

Despite being set for a return to North London at the end of the season, Tierney admits he has not yet spoken to Arteta about his future at the Emirates Stadium. However, the former Celtic defender has not ruled out breaking back into the Gunners' team and has taken strength from William Saliba's re-emergence after several loan spells in France.

«In football you never know,» added Tierney. «It's a bit strange that you can come back the way (William) Saliba did. It is strange to be on loan for four years and then return to play. Football is crazy, so we'll see. I'm not talking to Arteta, he's busy there.»

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Tierney is contracted with Arsenal until 2026.

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