Kieran Tierney airbrushed out of Arsenal in cutthroat move as fan favourite hero heartbreakingly 'disappears'

Former Arsenal key man Kieran Tierney has been removed from the club's squad list in the clearest sign his career with the Gunners is over.

The 27-year-old is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered at Euro 2024 with Scotland but there appears no space for him in Mikel Arteta's team as fans were served up a gut-punch before their 4-1 trouncing over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night. Tierney's name was not even listed on the Arsenal squad long list – which included a clutch of other players who did not feature.

Tierney was loaned out to Real Sociedad last summer and a slew of injury issues dampened his impact in San Sebastian despite several eye-catching displays. But now the £25m man – who has two years remaining on his bumper £110,000-per-week contract – appears to have kicked his last ball for Arteta's title challengers.

The Spaniard has earned total faith in North London, however, Tierney's banishment still rankles with a section of the support. Tierney retains a strong bond with Arsenal fans and was viewed as a ray of light during their struggles during the early days of Arteta's reign. The arrival of versatile Riccardo Calafiori all-but extinguished any hopes of a U-turn and now fans are ready to say goodbye.

Tierney is expected to leave this summer and has been linked with Aston Villa, Newcastle and even a stunning return to Celtic in recent transfer windows.