Kevin Campbell has praised Arsenal for signing Takehiro Tomiyasu, claiming the club needed a right-back to fill a gaping hole in the team.
Arsenal made several signings throughout the transfer period but left it late to sign a right-back, a priority position for Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have begun their season disastrously, losing all their three league fixtures so far, without scoring a goal and conceding nine in the process.
The right-back position had come into focus and scrutiny, despite Arteta having four established players in the position. While the club have had links to several players during the window, no transfer materialised. The club waited until the deadline day before signing Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.
Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin moved to Real Betis on loan after spending everal years as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back. In Tomiyasu, the Gunners have signed a key player capable of covering multiple defensive positions. The Premier League side reportedly paid over €18 million for the versatile star.
The fans might have looked forward to a more established player in the position. Still, Takehiro offers something different and holds the potential to develop into a top-quality full-back. The Japan international also fits into the mould of player Arteta signed throughout the window, with his age and playing style.
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 2, 2021
One former Gunners’ star was pleased with the club making a move for the Japan international. Kevin Campbell hailed the capture, suggesting Arsenal have signed a ‘great defender’ for the future. Football Insider posted quotes from Campbell as he spoke to the outlet about Tomiyasu.
Campbell said, “I like the signing. Arsenal needed to sign a right-back. It was a gaping hole that needed to be filled. Tomiyasu might not be the big name the fans want, but that is OK. It’s important now to get those Mikel Arteta’s signings into the team so we can see how they function. That is key. Without them, you can see that the team is not strong enough to compete.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of sources about him, and apparently, he is a great defender. From what I’ve heard, he’s not a marauding right-back, but he is quick, strong and a good passer. Now I will take that. He can play at centre-half as well, which is a bonus. I expect him to come straight into the side, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Takehiro does seem like a decent buy from Arsenal but still only a raw talent. It will depend on Arteta and the club to develop him into a top performer who can play in this Gunners’ side for years to come. Fans could get a first glimpse of the defender when the Premier League resumes after the international break as Arsenal take on Norwich City.