Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has insisted that Kieran Tierney is very much a part of his plans.

The Gunners head coach wants to ensure the Scottish left-back feels valued at the Emirates Stadium.

Tierney is being linked with a move away, but the Gunners may want to hold onto him after the ACL injury suffered by defender Jurrien Timber.

"Well, he played the [Community Shield] final, no?" he told reporters. "So a player that plays five days before in the final is part of the plans, for sure."

When asked if Tierney would be upset at not even being in the squad for their league win over Nottingham Forest, Arteta added: "I hope so."

Media reports in England on Thursday indicated that even if Timber is out for the entire season, Tierney still wants to pursue an exit.