Kieran Tierney transfer windfall revealed as Arsenal confirm loan exit

Kieran Tierney's loan move to Real Sociedad will secure Arsenal a fee in the region of £1.2million, football.london understands.

The deal is a straight one-year loan, with no option to buy for Sociedad, although the Spanish club will cover the Scottish international's full salary. The 26-year-old will be playing Champions League football with the La Liga side this term and there is a hope that a season of consistent game time at a club playing in Europe's elite competition could raise his value ahead of a potential sale next summer.

Over the last 12 months, Tierney had fallen down the pecking order in north London. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta began to prefer an inverted option at left-back, a role that Oleksandr Zinchenko excelled in throughout the 2022/23 campaign. Tierney's profile doesn't necessarily suit tucking into midfield when his side are in possession, meaning the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior all played minutes ahead of the former Celtic man this season.

After the loan move was confirmed on Sunday evening, Tierney took to social media to thank Arsenal and the club's fans. Writing on Twitter, he said: «Thank you to everyone for your support as always.

»Grateful (heart emoji)." The talented fullback is unlikely to be the last player to leave the north London club this summer, with young striker Folarin Balogun nearing a permanent exit.

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Timber replacement shortlist, Balogun exit, £15m windfall

Balogun is closing in on a £38.6million (€45million) move to Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, having enjoyed a hugely successful 2022/23 loan spell in the French top-flight. The 22-year-old netted 21 league goals during his temporary spell with Reims but it quickly became