Takehiro Tomiyasu reporteldy wants to leave Arsenal and could make a return to Italy as the report states massive interest from Serie A sides.
According to Calcio Mercato, Serie A clubs are on high alert as Takehiro Tomiyasu reportedly wants to leave Arsenal. Whether that is in the next window or summer remains to be seen, as the Japanese international has allegedly lost his place in the squad following the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori.
Takehiro Tomiyasu to leave Arsenal?
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a sensational defensive signing for Mikel Arteta, although the defender has unfortunately suffered from constant fitness issues. When fit, the Japanese international starts most games and provides Arsenal with a solid option to use him across different positions.
He has predominantly played as a full-back on both flanks during his three years at the club and does play centrally for his country. However, those fitness issues have always made him unavailable at crucial junctures, which has called his future into question on more than one occasion.
The report states that Tomiyasu wants to leave Arsenal at the next available opportunity as he seeks a new challenge. The main reason for the report points to the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori in the summer, which threatened to reduce the Japanese international’s importance in the squad. There’s tremendous interest coming from Serie A giants, although some Premier League clubs might also show an interest.
Inter Milan are considering a move, while there are others like Napoli and Juventus also on the trail of the 25-year-old Arsenal utility man. Arteta has enough defensive options under his belt, and the report states the club would consider bids upwards of €20 million.
Calafiori’s arrival is not a problem for Tomiyasu
The report points towards Tomiyasu’s position as a left-back when talking about the problem it has created due to Calafiori’s arrival. The Italian is pencilled in to play centrally but primarily in the left-back role. However, the Japanese star’s versatility and the expertise with which he plays in the right-back role should be taken into great consideration. Moreover, it’s not him, but Jakub Kiwior who is closer to leaving.
As things stand, Arteta may phase out Oleksandr Zinchenko in the near future, which could open up competition for the left-back slot between Jurrien Timber and Calafiori. With Tomiyasu absent since the start of pre-season, the pressure has genuinely fallen on Ben White, as he has had to play a lot of minutes since the season began. Hence, Tomiyasu could be a solid rotational option for Ben White, meaning he will stay.
