Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has opened up on his discussions with Kieran Tierney insisting the defender is "frustrated".
Scotland international Tierney suffered an irritating campaign with former Manchester City man Oleksandr Zinchenko cementing his spot as No1 choice at left back as the Gunners just missed out on the Premier League title.
Tierney has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, but reports have also suggested that he is keen to stay to fight for his place under Mikel Arteta.
Parlour is a big fan of Tierney but he can understand the frustrations coming from the former Celtic defender.
Speaking to JBI Training, The Romford Pele said: “Kieran’s Arsenal career has been a bit frustrating for him. I really like the lad, I’ve spoken to him on many occasions, and he has really tried to do his best whenever he’s been in the team.
"He’s had some injury problems as well, which hasn’t helped him. The way that Mikel Arteta sets up his team, with Zinchenko moving into the midfield, he seems to a better fit for the manager. You can’t ask Tierney to perform that Zinchenko role - he is an out-and-out left-sided player that loves to get forward and hug the touchline. Sometimes certain players don’t click in certain teams.”
Arsenal boss Arteta bid farewell to a “fantastic player and person” as Granit Xhaka left the club for Bayer Leverkusen yesterday.
The 30-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga side after a seven-year stint in north London that saw him win the FA Cup twice but also be stripped of the club captaincy.
Xhaka has signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen and the PA news agency understands the deal is worth €25million to the Gunners.
During a topsy-turvy Arsenal career, the Switzerland international was also stripped of the armband by Unai Emery after swearing at supporters as his substitution in a game against Crystal Palace was cheered.
He had decided to leave the club before Arteta was appointed but was convinced to stay and played all-but one Premier League game last season, scoring seven goals from midfield, including two on the final day of the campaign.
Speaking about Xhaka, Arteta enthused about the midfielder, saying: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us.
“It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his team-mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is.
“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”
