Takehiro Tomiyasu revealed how he came close to signing for arch-rivals Tottenham in the summer before Arsenal came calling.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has rendered himself extremely useful since signing for Arsenal on the deadline day of the summer window. The defender can play right-back or centre-back in any system, and since joining the north Londoners, is yet to lose a Premier League game, winning five and drawing two.
Mikel Arteta has been pleased with his solid displays as Tomiyasu has provided a solution to the troubled right-back area. He was signed late in the window, in a deal worth £16 million from Bologna. The Japan international has proven to be an astute signing, replacing Hector Bellerin as Arsenal’s preferred right-back choice.
Tomiyasu was a subject of intense transfer speculation during the summer transfer period, with Tottenham seemingly coming close to signing him at one point. As both north London sides searched for a reliable right-back, the Japan international was the early contender to sign for Spurs.
What transpired later is a bit contrasting depending on which report one wants to believe. Some suggest Tomiyasu rejected Spurs, while others state the north Londoners retracted their proposal before signing Emerson Royal from Barcelona.
Media outlet Goal via DAZN has posted quotes from the Japan international who revealed what transpired in the window before signing for Arsenal. Tomiyasu said, “I thought I wasn’t able to join Arsenal,” Tomiyasu has told DAZN Japan. “I thought I was going to Spurs. On deadline day, the move broke down. Arsenal asked me to join them and I did immediately.”
Following his comments, speculations will arise again over whether he rejected Tottenham or it was the other way around. However, those stories are of the past and have no real bearing for the future. As for Tomiyasu, he has already endeared himself to the Arsenal fanbase, who will be eager to see him grow into a better player at the Emirates.
After his performances in recent weeks, which helped Arsenal rise out of their slump earlier in the season, the Gunners legend Ian Wright was on hand to praise the full-back. Arteta and Arsenal will be hoping that the Japanese international continues to perform the way he has been so far.
