Transfer News: Arsenal set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu

Arsenal are reportedly set to complete a deadline day swoop of Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, as Hector Bellerin’s replacement.

According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have reached an agreement with Bologna for the transfer of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in a €20 million deal. The Premier League giants want the player who could play in multiple positions at the back and consider him as a replacement for Hector Bellerin, who is set to join Real Betis.

Arsenal could make moves on the final day of the transfer window, with the club still short on players they need in different positions. After the latest development surrounding Hector Bellerin’s future, the north Londoners could sign a replacement in the closing hours of the market.

Bellerin is reportedly close to joining Real Betis today, and Arsenal feel the need to replace him immediately. There might be doubts over the capabilities of three other players currently in the ranks who are capable of playing in Bellerin’s position, which is why a replacement is being targeted.

The player in focus is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was pursued by Tottenham all summer long. Due to complications in talks between Spurs and Bologna, a move could not materialise. Arsenal have reportedly kept tabs on the Japanese international for the entire summer and now could get their target.

Takehiro Tomiyasu to Arsenal, agreement reached and here we go! Personal terms agreed and Bologna will receive €20m plus €3m add ons. ⚪️??? #AFC #DeadlineDay

Medical during the afternoon and then official announcement. Here-we-go.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021

Additionally, Tottenham are reportedly close to signing Barcelona’s Emerson Royal on a permanent deal, which effectively rules them out of the running for Tomiyasu. The Bologna defender can play as a right-back and central defender. These versatile qualities attract Arsenal, as they have shown defensive instability since the season began.

The deal will cost Arsenal a base fee of €20 million, with an additional €3 million being bonus paymaners. Spurs had reportedly agreed on a fee close to that with Bologna, and Arsenal are now expected to pay similar value. Mikel Arteta probably wants a more hybrid system in place, where the formation looks like a back-four and converts into a back-three when building up.

Tomiyasu could be the ideal replacement for Bellerin given his technical abilities. He could also complement Arsenal’s marquee summer signing Ben White and provide the perfect support for the England star. However, Tomiyasu’s ability to run up and down the flanks will be useful to Arsenal’s style of attacking football.

Fabrizio Romano has also added that personal terms have already been agreed, meaning a late move is expected to be concluded. Arsenal have the player in their grasp and it remains to be seen if his arrival boosts the ailing Gunners post the international break.