West Ham are ready to rival Arsenal in the pursuit of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is ready to leave Bologna this summer.
According to 1000 Cuori Rossoblu, Bologna are prepared to sanction the sale of Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Serie A outfit are in need of a financial injection as they look to fund a move for their transfer targets this summer. Tomiyasu represents good value due to his success over the past couple of years.
Tottenham Hotspur were mainly in the services of the Japanese international so far this summer. However, their recent capture of Cristian Romero may have ruled them out of the chase, putting Arsenal and West Ham in the drivers’ position.
West Ham, in particular, appear to be the newest entrants in the race to sign Tomiyasu this summer. The Bologna centre-back is one of David Moyes’ long list of defensive targets as the former Manchester United boss looks to find a suitable defensive partner for Issa Diop next season.
The Hammers have already been linked with a swoop for Kurt Zouma, though the Chelsea star isn’t all too keen on joining the Londoners. As a result, the club has set its sights on Tomiyasu, who is regarded as one of the best defenders in Asian football, having enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence at Bologna.
In just two years at the club, the 22-year-old has mustered 63 competitive appearances for the club. His aerial and physical presence combined with his ability to read the game have turned many heads in European football, with even Arsenal now ready to secure his services this summer.
Much like Tottenham, the Gunners have brought in a new defender in the form of Ben White. But it seems coach Mikel Arteta is determined to add more quality in a defensive unit that has had to part ways with many experienced figureheads like Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis, David Luiz and Laurent Koscienly in recent years.
Arsenal’s desire to sign Tomiyasu, therefore, suggests a change of an era at Emirates as Arteta looks to restore the club’s lost glory. However, West Ham and perhaps even Spurs may be a thorn in their side as the three Premier League clubs battle it out for the services of the Bologna centre-back in this summer transfer window.
