The Gunners have signed Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna in a deal worth €18 million.
Arsenal has confirmed the capture of Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna on a permanent deal. The Japanese international joins in the final hours of the transfer window after the Gunners agreed on a deal worth €18 million with the Italian side.
The highly-rated defender from Bologna joins on a permanent transfer. The Gunners were on the lookout for defensive reinforcements on the final day of the window to offset the departure of Hector Bellerin.
Bellerin joined Real Betis on a season-long loan deal after months of speculation surrounding his Arsenal future. The Spanish full-back finally got his wish over the line when the north London side agreed on a temporary deal with Betis without an option to buy at the end of the season.
Since stories began to pick up regarding Bellerin’s impending departure earlier, Arsenal’s links to Tomiyasu were revealed by David Ornstein of The Athletic. The Premier League side were waiting on Betis to confirm to the Bellerin transfer before announcing the deal for Tomiyasu.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Takehiro Tomiyasu ?? pic.twitter.com/trL4Wq7zXW
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2021
The Japanese international is capable of playing versatile roles in the backline, while many have suggested he’s equally capable of slotting in midfield at times. However, the Gunners are more interested in his defensive qualities as they already have plenty of cover for midfield.
Arsenal’s technical director Edu voiced his happiness after getting the deal over the line. “We’re delighted to have signed Takehiro. We’ve been watching him for a while now and we’re pleased that we have reached an agreement with Bologna. He is an important addition to our squad.”, he said, in the official statement.
Mikel Arteta views Tomiyasu as an ideal replacement for Bellerin at right-back and would be eager to integrate the defender after the international break. His statistics have also been impressive enough for Arsenal to make a decision over the transfer.
Tomiyasu had been linked all summer with a move to rivals Tottenham. Stories developed around a move to Spurs, but a deal reportedly collapsed after both clubs were unable to agree to terms over payment structures. The Lilywhites ended up opting for Barcelona’s Emerson Royal.
The initial valuation of Tomiyasu’s deal with Arsenal is worth around €18 million, but there could be add-ons based on his performances and appearances later.
