Advertisement

Arsenal agree new Kieran Tierney contract and want Smith Rowe to follow

<span>Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA</span>
Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA

Kieran Tierney has agreed a new five-year contract at Arsenal and is expected to sign it in the coming weeks.

Tying down Tierney to a fresh deal comes as a boost for Mikel Arteta, who has seen the 24-year-old become one of his most reliable players. Although Tierney’s present contract has three years to run, his star has risen significantly since he arrived from Celtic in 2019 and Arsenal have moved to underline their commitment to him for the long term.

Related: Hungary v France: Euro 2020 – live!

Had injuries not intervened, Tierney would have made considerably more than the 62 appearances he has managed for Arsenal. He has primarily shone at left-back, where has proved a dogged and highly effective operator at both ends of the field, but can also play on the left of a back three and excelled in that role for Scotland in their draw with England on Friday.

Now that Tierney’s future is secure, Arsenal hope Emile Smith Rowe will sign new terms. They rejected an opportunistic bid from Aston Villa for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder this week but are yet to stave off further interest by reaching an agreement. Arteta also expects to make a number of signings and has had an opening bid rejected for the Brighton and England centre-back Ben White.