Kieran Tierney has ruled out returning to Arsenal in January, confirming he will spend the rest of the season at Real Sociedad.
The left-back arrived on loan to the Spaniard this summer and has made 12 appearances, with Tierney enjoying nine starts in La Liga and twice in the Champions League.
With Jurrien Timber out of Arsenal with a long-term injury and Takehiro Tomiyasu heading to Japan for the Asian Cup, it has been reported that the Gunners could simply call up Tierney to bolster his characteristics at the back.
However, Tierney has dismissed that as an option, insisting he has no plans to return to the Premier League this month.
He told the Spanish newspaper Noticias de Gipuzkoa: “Several people have asked me about it but the answer is no. I will definitely stay here (in January). The Arsenal enthusiasts are great, they gave me a lot of support. During the 4 years I was there, I will be grateful to the enthusiasts.
“I don’t need to speak ill of the Premier League because there are very elegant atmospheres, but in Spain it’s incredible. If you listen to the fans of Osasuna and Cadiz, they don’t stop singing. It’s wonderful here.
Tierney will have two years left on his Arsenal contract if he returns to the club this summer, although he has struggled to play in the first team under Mikel Arteta and his long career at the club remains uncertain.
While the 26-year-old admitted he does not know if he will stay in Spain beyond this season, he was keen to emphasise how much he was enjoying his new surroundings.
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“I signed for a year, I’m happy,” Tierney said.
“I can’t say what’s going to happen next, but I’m enjoying every day. The decision (to sign for Real Sociedad permanently) is not mine. But it’s true that I love being here and I’m very grateful for that. “A lot.
“As soon as I had the opportunity to come, I was completely convinced. 100 percent. I knew it would be difficult without my circle of family and I can’t be with my friends, but I can guarantee you that I enjoy it all. I’m glad, I don’t miss home.
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