Mikel Arteta addresses Kieran Tierney Arsenal transfer exit links

The defender is currently out of favour at The Emirates, with Oleksandr Zinchenko the clear first pick at left-back.

He has made 26 appearances so far this campaign, although the vast majority of these have been off the bench or in the cup competitions and Europa League. Tierney has made just four Premier League starts.

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the Scotland international in recent days.

Eddie Howe is believed to be a big admirer of the former Celtic star and would be keen to take him to the North East of England this summer.

It's since been reported that KT would be open to a move away from the Gunners, as he wants to be a first team regular heading into the prime of his career.

Manager Arteta was asked about the rumours in today's press conference. 

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Instead of going into detail about Tierney's future, though, the Spaniard shut down talk of a move.

Asked if KT might be available to move down the line, the Spaniard responded: "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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