Exclusive: It is possible that Arsenal sell £16m player who Mikel Arteta loves before deadline day
What do we think of this, Gooners❓
- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
After signing for the club in 2021, Takehiro Tomiyasu is beginning to fall into the Thomas Partey category at Arsenal – a player full of ability but thwarted by injuries.
Since arriving in England, Tomiyasu has never amassed more than 22 games in a single Premier League season.
The Japan international played 21 games in his first campaign in north London, 21 in the 2022/23 season and then 22 last term – consistent numbers, but not in a positive way.
Tomiyasu has suffered a variety of injuries and is currently missing for the Gunners right now, unlikely to be available for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ visit on Saturday.
And with that in mind, TBR Football can now share how Arsenal feel about losing Tomiyasu this summer.
It was recently reported that Arsenal tried to involve Tomiyasu in a swap deal for Riccardo Calafiori, who ended up joining without the need to include a player.
And to that end, TBR understands that Arsenal could sell Tomiyasu if the right bid arrived before August’s deadline.
Arsenal would prefer to sell three other defenders before Takehiro Tomiyasu
Mikel Arteta loves Tomiyasu, everything about him, but the defender is not currently in his strongest XI.
And with Calafiori on board and Jurrien Timber nearing full fitness, it is going to be hard for the £16m-defender to play regularly in Arsenal’s most important games, despite his talent.
READ MORE: £18m Arsenal target has decided he wants to join PSG
Naturally, Tomiyasu will be a player who other clubs consider a move for if he’s not playing, a 25-year-old who could improve any squad in the Premier League.
That being said, TBR can confirm that Arsenal would prefer to sell three different defenders before Tomiyasu left the club.
All of Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior would be free to leave before Tomiyasu – a decision that is unlikely to surprise Arsenal fans.
That being said, Zinchenko impressed against Lyon, now likely to start Arsenal’s first few games of the season whilst Calafiori adapts.
And in truth, in his minutes thus far it does seem as if the Italian is better suited to playing as a left-sided centre-back initially, a role that could allow him to adjust a little easier.
All that being said, Ian Wright had just dropped an exciting Arsenal transfer hint ahead of the last weeks of the window.
What's Your Reaction?
