Transfer Centre

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

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 18 March 2023

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith tells Sports Mole that Kieran Tierney is too good to be sitting on the bench amid doubts over his Gunners future.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith can envisage left-back Kieran Tierney leaving the club this summer if his playing situation does not improve.

The Scotland international has been relegated to second choice under Mikel Arteta this season, with Oleksandr Zinchenko holding the fort at left-back when fully fit.

Tierney remained a regular continentally with six starts in the Europa League group stages, but he has only made four appearances from the first whistle in the 2022-23 Premier League season.

After missing the first leg of Arsenal's Europa League last-16 clash with Sporting Lisbon through illness, Tierney was an unused substitute in the second leg on Thursday, as the Gunners crashed out on penalties.

Not since Boxing Day has the 25-year-old started a top-flight game, and he is now reported to be considering his future at the Emirates Stadium amid firm interest from Newcastle United.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith pictured in 2016 © Reuters

Speaking to Sports Mole at the London Football Awards, Smith said that Tierney is too good to be playing second fiddle on a weekly basis, but he does not believe that the Gunners have any other glaring weaknesses that need addressing this summer.

"There's doubts about Kieran Tierney whether he'll stay, he's such a good player that he won't want to be sitting on the bench so maybe another left-back if he did go, but they've got cover in most positions," Smith said when questioned on Arsenal's summer transfer plans.

"I would have said centre-half but if [Jakub] Kiwior proves good in the long-term then you're okay there as well. At centre-forward, Eddie Nketiah did a good job, the likes of [Leandro] Trossard can play in that false nine position.

"When Thomas Partey's not fit Jorginho has lightened the blow. You're always looking to improve that squad and I'm sure they will in the summer."

The addition of Zinchenko has been a key factor in Arsenal's surprising run to the top of the Premier League table, with Arteta's side holding a five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.

Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrates scoring for Arsenal on February 18, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal can extend their advantage to eight points by beating Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Smith hailed the signings of Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho - players with Premier League and Champions League-winning experience - as crucial to their phenomenal season.

"I do think they have what it takes, whether they will go all the way and end up top is another matter, but I was commentating on them at Fulham and it was so impressive," Smith said on Arsenal's title chances.

"Still, we haven't got to the so-called 'squeaky bum time' when the pressure ramps up, but there's more maturity there than there was last season, they're a bit older and a bit wiser.

"With the additions of those winners likes Jesus, Zinchenko, Jorginho, there's more know-how in that dressing room as well and hopefully that will be enough."

Smith also lavished praise on January signing Leandro Trossard, who arrived in North London in January as an alternative to Chelsea's Mykhaylo Mudryk, and the 60-year-old believes that the Ukrainian may have enjoyed a better start to life in the Premier League at Arsenal.