The 24-year-old Kieran Tierney, a Scotland international, signed a long-term deal with Arsenal this week. He had joined the Gunners from Celtic two years ago, and now signs a reported five-year deal.
“Anyone who has seen him play will recognize very quickly that he is a player of huge ability, but I can tell you that he is also a player with a fantastic attitude and mentality,” Arsenal technical director Edu said.
The deal increases Tierney’s weekly earnings by £110,000.
“This is great news for us today,” Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said. “As manager of the club, speaking on behalf of the coaching staff and the entire staff, it’s a pleasure to work with KT. His quality, energy, commitment and professionalism, not only on match-days, but every day in training are always at such a high level. KT gives us so much extra strength both defensively and offensively and it’s great to know that he’ll be with us for the long term.”
Tierney played just a total of 38 appearances in the 2019-2020 season primarily due to some injuries, but was always an impact-player whenever on the pitch.
Since 2019, overall, he has made 62 appearances for Arsenal.
“It feels amazing,” Tierney said. “The manager came to me and said, ‘I want you to extend your deal, we’re so happy with you.’ It was amazing for me to hear because i’ve worked hard since I joined. I had a hard first season with injuries and Covid but last season it really picked up for me, the club have been brilliant with me, so I was more than happy to extend.”
Tierney and his Scottish side were eliminated in Euro 2020 in the group stage/round.
Fans, and analysts alike are suggesting Tierney be made a captain soon enough. The club seems to be extending a player’s career in their system, and doing so at a fairly cost-effective price.
“I know all the fans will join me, the players and staff in looking forward to seeing KT playing in an Arsenal shirt for a few more years,” Arteta added.