Unique: Alan Smith on Arsenal transfers and Premier League title chances

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith can envisage left-back Kieran Tierney leaving the membership this summer time if his enjoying state of affairs doesn’t enhance.

The Scotland worldwide has been relegated to second alternative beneath Mikel Arteta this season, with Oleksandr Zinchenko holding the fort at left-back when absolutely match.

Tierney remained a daily continentally with six begins within the Europa League group levels, however he has solely made 4 appearances from the primary whistle within the 2022-23 Premier League season.

After lacking the primary leg of Arsenal’s Europa League last-16 conflict with Sporting Lisbon by means of sickness, Tierney was an unused substitute within the second leg on Thursday, because the Gunners crashed out on penalties.

Not since Boxing Day has the 25-year-old began a top-flight recreation, and he’s now reported to be contemplating his future on the Emirates amid agency curiosity from Newcastle United.

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Talking to Sports activities Mole on the London Soccer Awards, Smith stated that Tierney is simply too good to be enjoying second fiddle on a weekly foundation, however he doesn’t consider that the Gunners have another obtrusive weaknesses that want addressing this summer time.

“There’s doubts about Kieran Tierney whether or not he’ll keep, he is such a great participant that he will not need to be sitting on the bench so possibly one other left-back if he did go, however they have cowl in most positions,” Smith stated when questioned on Arsenal’s summer time switch plans.

“I’d have stated centre-half but when [Jakub] Kiwior proves good within the long-term then you definately’re okay there as properly. At centre-forward, Eddie Nketiah did a great job, the likes of [Leandro] Trossard can play in that false 9 place.

“When Thomas Partey‘s not match Jorginho has lightened the blow. You are at all times seeking to enhance that squad and I am positive they’ll in the summertime.”

The addition of Zinchenko has been a key consider Arsenal’s shocking run to the highest of the Premier League desk, with Arteta’s facet holding a five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.

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Arsenal can prolong their benefit to eight factors by beating Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Smith hailed the signings of Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho – gamers with Premier League and Champions League-winning expertise – as essential to their phenomenal season.

“I do suppose they’ve what it takes, whether or not they’ll go all the best way and find yourself high is one other matter, however I used to be commentating on them at Fulham and it was so spectacular,” Smith stated on Arsenal’s title chances.

“Nonetheless, we’ve not obtained to the so-called ‘squeaky bum time’ when the strain ramps up, however there’s extra maturity there than there was final season, they are a bit older and a bit wiser.

“With the additions of these winners likes Jesus, Zinchenko, Jorginho, there’s extra know-how in that dressing room as properly and hopefully that shall be sufficient.”

Smith additionally lavished reward on January signing Leandro Trossard, who arrived in North London in January as an alternative choice to Chelsea’s Mykhaylo Mudryk, and the 60-year-old believes that the Ukrainian could have loved a greater begin to life within the Premier League at Arsenal.