Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that two of his players will be departing the club when their contracts expire at the end of the campaign.
The Gunners took to the Emirates Stadium turf for the final time in the 2024-25 season on Sunday, where a 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United punched their ticket to next season’s Champions League.
Declan Rice‘s slick second-half finish proved to be the difference between the two clubs, prior to which David Raya single-handedly kept Eddie Howe‘s side at bay in the first half with several pivotal saves.
As the clock wound down in North London, Arteta introduced long-serving left-back Kieran Tierney and midfield veteran Jorginho, two players who are due to officially leave at the end of June.
Tierney has actually already signed a pre-contract agreement with former club Celtic, as confirmed by the Bhoys’ financial accounts at the beginning of the year, while Jorginho is believed to have given the green light to a move to Flamengo.
Arteta suggests Tierney, Jorginho Arsenal exits are imminent
Asked about the futures of both men in his post-game press conference, Arteta confirmed that “a few” of his players had likely played their final home games for the club on Sunday, suggesting that Tierney and Jorginho are bound for the exit door.
“We had a few in the dressing room that is probably is going to be the last time that they put that shirt on at Emirates Stadium,” Arteta said. “I’ve been there and make sure that we are close to them, and I’m very grateful to them as well.”
Tierney was introduced to a rousing reception from the Arsenal faithful, whom he immediately endeared himself to following his 2019 arrival, only for injuries to hamper his development.
The Scotsman’s Gunners career was seemingly over last summer, but he unexpectedly forced his way back into Arteta’s squad and has played 19 times this season, albeit on just three occasions from the first whistle.
Meanwhile, Jorginho’s deal does include the option to extend for another year, but the club and player have seemingly decided against extending their partnership, and he is now expected to see out his career in his birth nation.
Arteta provides William Saliba injury latest after Newcastle win
Before Tierney and Jorginho’s introductions, Arteta sent Riccardo Calafiori on at the start of the second half in place of William Saliba, a change which hinted at an injury for the Frenchman.
True enough, the Gunners boss confirmed that Saliba had felt a problem in his hamstring, although there was better news with Kai Havertz coming off the bench for his first appearance in three months after hamstring surgery.
“Well, the first one because of an injury to Wilo, I think he felt something in his hamstring in the first half, unfortunately so we had to make the substitution,” Arteta said.
“And with the other two, Kai, I mean, he’s been incredibly fast in his recovery. I think the doctors were a bit, is it too early? But he’s been pushing it, and he thought he could help the team.
“And with Kieran, he had a very special circumstance the way he had to come back and settle in the team again after four months out, and he’s been really good with the group. He has contributed in every possible way to help us and I’m very grateful for that.”
Arsenal conclude their Premier League campaign away to Southampton next Sunday, where they only need a point to be absolutely sure of a second-placed finish, which could even be confirmed on Tuesday if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth.
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