Kieran Tierney Arsenal transfer speculation shut down as Mikel Arteta is quizzed on Newcastle interest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on Kieran Tierney's situation as the former Celtic star continues to struggle for game time in North London.

The Scotland defender has failed to pin down a starting position this season for the Gunners in the Premier League following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City in the summer window. Tierney has played second fiddle to the Ukrainian in the left-back position at the Emirates this season and speculation has grown about a potential move away.

Despite only starting in the league on a handful of occasions Tierney has started every game in Arsenal's Europa League campaign as they finished top of their group. Rumours have circulated that he could be on the move in the summer with Eddie Howe's Newcastle United believed to be interested. Scotland manager Steve Clarke will be looking for the 25-year-old to be get more minutes ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Cyprus and Spain at Hampden next month.

Arteta was asked in his press conference earlier today about Tierney's playing time and if he could be available for transfer. He said: "I don’t know, I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking about what’s best for the team and obviously and the players with the right to play minutes which they all deserve and we’re going to try to do that in the next couple of games."

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