Mikel Arteta insists Kieran Tierney is in his plans for the upcoming season.

The Scotland international has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer, with his game time cut significantly last term.

However, the Gunners boss has poured cold water over suggestions that the left-back may leave this summer.

The 26-year-old started just six Premier League matches last season, with Oleksandr Zinchenko the firm first choice in the team.

Celtic have been linked with a sensational loan swoop for the defender, where he of course made a name for himself after breaking through the youth ranks and into the first team.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have also been touted as potential suitors for Tierney.

But Arteta has made it clear that he does not want KT to move on from the Emirates. 

The boss said: "He is, he is in our plans, and as you said, he came on really well (on Saturday). It's not the first time, every time he's played in pre-season, he's been really good.

"This is why we want to create competition in the team, raise the level of each individual and that's going to be a huge benefit for the team to get to another level."

READ MORE: Celtic seal Maik Nawrocki transfer from Legia Warsaw

Tierney recently spoke of the speculation surrounding his future.

He said: “It’s not really up to me. I’ve not had any discussions with the manager and I’m just working hard every day and trying to do as well as I can.

“I didn’t miss a single game because of injury last season. I was available for every match and always ready when called upon.

“I think everyone would agree that I never give less than 100 percent, whether I’m playing or not. You can’t play every single game every year and I don’t expect that.

“But I still made a lot of appearances last season coming off the bench, whether that was to see games out or help to get a goal, and I did all I could to help.”

Glasgow Times:

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