‘I don’t know’: Micah Richards says he can’t understand what has happened to £25m Arsenal player

Mikel Arteta has been ruthless at Arsenal.

The Spaniard hasn’t been afraid to cut players from his squad when they are surplus to requirements, and he will happily cast a fan favourite aside for the good of the team.

Indeed, the likes of Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Aaron Ramsdale will all attest to the fact that Arteta will make ruthless decisions at the Emirates.

One player who has been cast aside recently is Kieran Tierney. The Scottish left-back spent last season out on loan at Real Sociedad, and he’s expected to be sold this summer.

Speaking on the BBC Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Micah Richards has been discussing Tierney and his status at Arsenal, and he says that he can’t understand why he’s so out of the picture at the Emirates.

Micah Richards baffled by Kieran Tierney expulsion at Arsenal

Richards and Gary Lineker spoke about what’s been happening with Tierney.

“Let’s talk about Tierney, he’s gone out of the picture at Arsenal, why do you think that was?” Lineker said.

“I don’t know why it is to be honest. Arsenal need a left-back this season though,” Richards stated.

Tierney doesn’t suit Arteta

Kieran Tierney is clearly talented enough to play a role for Arsenal, but the sad reality is that he’s no longer suited to how Mikel Arteta wants to play.

The Spanish manager wants to use an inverted full-back down the left side, and Tierney isn’t in that mould.

Indeed, the Scot is much more of a traditional full-back, and in this current iteration of this Arsenal team, there isn’t room for him to play in such a way.

The £25m man will be a fantastic player for whichever club he joins next, but, sadly, it looks as though he doesn’t have a long-term future at Arsenal.