Tierney takes sly dig at Arsenal flop Tavares as he admits he’s relishing having competition after Zinchenko transfer

ARSENAL left-back Kieran Tierney has revealed he is relishing the prospect of competing with Oleksandr Zinchenko for a starting spot.

The 25-year-old knows he is in danger of losing his regular place in the team following the £32million arrival of the Ukraine international.

2

Kieran Tierney has said he is relishing competition with Oleksandr ZinchenkoCredit: Getty

2

Zinchenko linked up with the Gunners last month from Manchester CityCredit: Getty

Having been plagued by numerous injuries since arriving from Celtic in 2019, the Scotland international is aware he is no longer guaranteed a place in Mikel Arteta’s team when fit.

Zinchenko started the Gunners’ last two pre-season matches, and he was preferred ahead of Tierney for the 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace.

Speaking prior to the trip to Selhurst Park, Tierney was nothing but complimentary towards his new team-mate.

And in a slight dig to Nuno Tavares, who has been shipped off on loan to Marseille, the former Hoops ace has insisted he finally has competition at left-back.

In an interview with Celtic legend Chris Sutton for the Daily Mail, Tierney was asked whether Arteta spoke to him first before making a move for Zinchenko.

To which he said: “No, but I’m not surprised because I’ve never had that.

“At a club like Arsenal, you need competition.

“For where we want to go, you need at least two players for each position. He is a great signing.”

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

Commenting on whether he embraces the competition, he added: “Genuinely, I love it.

“I love being up against it. I’m coming back from injury.

“I know I’ll need to work my way back. But I’m ready.”

Tierney has also hailed the signing of Gabriel Jesus, and said he is hopeful of winning a trophy as well as qualifying for the Champions League.