Arsenal have announced that both Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have left the club, along with several other senior players, as Mikel Arteta continues to trim his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The decision is one of a number made in Arsenal’s annual retained list announcement, which also confirms that Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares have been released.
Jorginho, signed from Chelsea in January 2023, played 45 times for the Gunners in all competitions. However, with Declan Rice bursting onto the scene and the return of fitness from Thomas Partey, the 32 year old Italian midfield general found playing time limited during the 2024/25 season. Arsenal declined to renew his contract, leaving him free to sign with any team.
Kieran Tierney’s departure marks the end of five-year stint in North London. The Scottish international spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad where he impressed with his work rate and defensive stability. But Tierney has lost his position under Arteta to the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko and rise of Jakub Kiwior at left-back. Arsenal have one year left on his contract, but the club did not extend his deal.
Arsenal have officially announced the exit of 17 players, including first-team stars Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, as part of a summer clear-out. Mikel Arteta is now set for a major rebuild to close the gap on Premier League rivals.https://t.co/ZcQl8Sjed1
This round of departures is part of Arsenal’s plan to overhaul their squad and to ease their wage bill. The northern London club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, is in charge of a summer rebuild, prioritising youth players and increasing tactical flexibility. The exits of experienced but peripheral figures like Jorginho and Kieran Tierney free up space for potential new signings in midfield and defense.
Jorginho and Kieran Tierney could be on their way out, but the duo is likely to be interesting clubs across Europe. The Italian international’s future sparked speculation ever since his departure, and reports already link him with a move back to Serie A. Lazio and Napoli have shown interest, drawn to his experience and his ability to dictate play from deep in midfield.
Tierney’s excellent performances during a loan spell in La Liga have also not gone unnoticed in Europe. Real Sociedad are willing to make his switch a permanent one, but Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also said to be keen. The 28-year-old Tierney now wants regular first-team football to ensure he can keep his place in the Scotland squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Kieran Tierney to Real Sociedad, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with Arsenal on loan deal — no buy option clause 🚨⚪️🔵 #AFC
Tierney has accepted, medical being scheduled after clubs exchange all documents.
Salary will be covered until June. pic.twitter.com/PhLceN4Sk2
Arsenal have managed these exits with clarity and mutual respect. Jorginho and Tierney depart with the club’s thanks and the best wishes of those fans, many of whom will have fond memories of their pivotal roles in Arteta’s rebuild. Neither had been guaranteed a starting place in recent months, but both had added professionalism and commitment to the team.
Arsenal can now promote academy talent and pursue reinforcements who better suit Arteta’s evolving tactical requirements. Players like Lino Sousa and Charlie Patino could now have a clearer path to senior involvement, particularly with squad space opening up in midfield and full-back positions.
It’s a bittersweet feeling for Arsenal for agreeing a fee to sell both Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, but also fitting with the club’s new found logical thinking. Jorginho brought composure and experience to the club, while Tierney earned massive popularity by fighting through a public health scare and winning fans over with his tenacity and force of will. But in a squad pushing for Premier League and Champions League success, pragmatism and progress are non-negotiable.
Parting with declining senior players who no longer play a significant role is what allows Arsenal to remain slim, competitive and cash-considerate. Though fans will miss the voices, the footballing logic behind their exits is sound. It’s now up to the club to make smart replacements — and up to Jorginho and Tierney to write bold new chapters in their careers.
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