Mikel Arteta promptly decides to offload an Arsenal player following their victory over Crystal Palace.

Mikel Arteta has decided on Kieran Tierney’s future following Arsenal’s 3-2 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace, where Gabriel Jesus ended his goal drought with a hat-trick to secure a semi-final spot for the Gunners.

Arteta made significant changes for the game, resting key players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, and Kai Havertz. Tierney, starting for the first time since Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Brighton in May 2023, returned to the lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024. However, his comeback lasted just 69 minutes before he was forced off due to another injury.

Following the match, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Tierney is set to leave Arsenal. The club has decided not to activate the 12-month extension clause in his contract, which has now expired. His current deal will end next summer, allowing Tierney to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs in January or secure a permanent transfer during the winter window.

Former club Celtic is reportedly leading the race to re-sign the 27-year-old, with the Scottish Sun suggesting they are preparing a move next month. Meanwhile, Tierney, who spent last season on loan with Real Sociedad, has also attracted interest from other clubs in England.

Despite the decision, Arteta recently praised Tierney, stating: “He is ready, he’s training really well, and he’s going to have an opportunity for sure. The way he’s behaved and the way he’s been with us, he’s earned it.” Tierney joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 for £25 million and has made 125 appearances for the club.