Mikel Arteta claims Kieran Tierney 'struggled to leave the house' after joining Arsenal before eventually adapting to become one of the club's top players.

The Scotland cap had some issues bedding into the Gunners side after signing for £25million back in August 2019. He also had to come through injury to his hip and thigh but now appears to have fully settled.

Arteta has been delighted with what he has seen from the ex-Celtic defender and was proud to see him score against West Brom last weekend and provide an assist for Alex Lacazette in a comfortable 4-0 Gunners win away from home.

And the Spaniard revealed it took some time for KT to find his feet. "Ever since the moment that I joined the club and he went through his shoulder injury, I see a player with enormous talent, with the perfect attitude and commitment and then a kid who is a joy to work with," he said.

"And I’m so happy for him for the goal he scored, everything that he’s put in to be better every day, towards the team towards the club. He had some issues to adapt. It was a challenge for him to leave his house and we are all trying to help him because the kid really deserves this. He’s a joy to work with."

Arteta also firmly believes Tierney has what it takes to one day become Arsenal CAPTAIN if he continues his form and adds to his experience off the field in the land of the giants. "I think he can [be captain] because he has the respect and admiration of the staff and every player,” he said.

“It’s just the way he is, he does it in a natural way. He is a shy boy but he represents all of us at the club, all the values we want to install. He can still improve, but at the moment he is a real threat in attack and has been really solid defensively.

“He’s so humble, he had a really bad injury, was away from home, but he is a natural leader. When he talks he says the right thing and, again, he is exactly what we’re looking for and I’m so pleased to have him in the team.”