Arsenal have now told two first-team stars that they are surplus to requirements, including left-back Kieran Tierney.
Arsenal are plotting a summer overhaul of their contingent of left-backs.
The Gunners currently have six senior left-backs, or players who have regularly played in that part of the pitch, on the books.
Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares both spent last season away from the club on loan, whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior, and Jurrien Timber all featured for the Gunners in the full-back role over the course of the campaign.
Arsenal send exit message to Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko
Like Tavares, Tierney has no future at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal paid £25 million to prise the Scotland international away from Celtic in the summer 2019, and at one time he was a key figure for the North London club. However, as Mikel Arteta’s system developed, he became an awkward fit in the team.
Tierney himself has admitted that he’s ill-suited to Arsenal’s tactical approach, and at this stage in his career he needs to be playing regular football. He will feature for his country at this summer’s Euros tournament, and needs to use the competition as an opportunity to put himself in the shop window and attract potential suitors.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are keen to move Zinchenko on as well. Arsenal want to sign another left-back this summer, so space in the squad needs to be made for a new arrival.
According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, as reported by TBR Football, Arsenal have now told both Tierney and the Ukrainian that their services are no longer needed at the club.
Edu must find way to get good deal for Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko will also be representing his country at the Euros, and will likewise be keen to impress. There can be no denying his talent. He was a revelation at Arsenal following his £32 million arrival from Manchester City, as his inverted interpretation of the full-back role changed the way Arteta’s team plays, and was instrumental in forcing Tierney down the pecking order in the first place.
However, Zinchenko is something of a defensive liability and was not a nailed-on starter last season. With Timber set to play a bigger role for the club next season, following his return from injury, Zinchenko is likely to struggle for minutes even more.
Arsenal paid a combined fee of £57 million for the two defenders. They are unlikely break even, never mind make a profit, on that figure. However, Edu must still do all he can to extract maximum value from the unwanted duo.