Arsenal are facing a battle to retain the services of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, with several Italian clubs expressing interest in the player. The Gunners have set an asking price of £25 million for the 25-year-old, who joined the club from Bologna in 2021. Inter Milan, Napoli, and Juventus are all reportedly considering a move for Tomiyasu in the upcoming January transfer window.
Tomiyasu’s potential departure could leave a void in Arsenal’s defensive lineup. The Japanese full-back has not featured for Mikel Arteta’s side this season due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season. However, his absence has not hindered Arsenal’s solid defensive performance, as they have conceded just one goal in their first four Premier League games.
Despite his injury setbacks, Tomiyasu has been a key player for Arsenal since his arrival, making 83 appearances for the club. However, his injury history raises concerns about his long-term availability and performance. The Gunners may be considering his sale to avoid further injury-related issues and to recoup a significant portion of their investment.
Tomiyasu is not the only full-back whose future at Arsenal is uncertain. Kieran Tierney, who spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, is also facing an uncertain future at the Emirates. The Scottish international suffered a hamstring injury during the European Championship but is now returning to fitness. Arteta’s plans for Tierney in the first team remain unclear, and his potential departure could further impact Arsenal’s defensive options.
The potential departure of both Tomiyasu and Tierney raises questions about Arsenal’s defensive depth and the need for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer windows. While the Gunners signed Riccardo Calafiori in the summer to bolster their defensive options, the Italian is yet to make his first start for the club. Arsenal may need to consider additional defensive signings to ensure they maintain their solid defensive record throughout the season.
It is worth noting that Arsenal’s defensive stability has been a crucial factor in their strong start to the season. With just one goal conceded in four games, the Gunners have shown significant improvement compared to previous seasons. This defensive solidity has provided a solid foundation for the team and has contributed to their positive results.
In conclusion, Arsenal face a battle to retain Takehiro Tomiyasu, with several Italian clubs interested in the defender. The Gunners have set an asking price of £25 million for the Japanese full-back, who has been a key player for the club since his arrival. However, his injury history and the potential departure of Kieran Tierney raise concerns about Arsenal’s defensive depth. The club may need to consider additional defensive signings to maintain their solid defensive record and ensure they have adequate cover in the upcoming transfer windows.