EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal open to late offers for Takehiro Tomiyasu

Steve Kay

Updated: 13 Aug 2024 10:53 BST
3 min read

Arsenal are open to offers for defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, FootballTransfers understands.

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The Gunners could consider selling the 25-year-old in the final weeks of the transfer window if a suitable offer is received.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest and, during negotiations for Riccardo Calafiori, there was talk of Tomiyasu possibly returning to Bologna, the club Arsenal bought him from in 2021.

The Serie A side were tempted to bring Tomiyasu back as a replacement for the Gunners' new recruit. However, due to owing a large chunk of the money from the Calafiori sale to FC Basel, a deal wasn't feasible.

A potential stumbling club for other suitors could be the fact that Tomiyasu is facing a fresh injury setback, which will keep him out for another month.

Arsenal to promote youngster

In light of the Japan international's recent problem, Mikel Arteta is expected to promote academy player Myles Lewis-Skelly to make up the numbers in the squad.

Lewis-Skelly, who featured prominently in the preseason, will be given more opportunities, with the situation set to be reviewed in January in the event Tomiyasu leaves the Emirates.

The 25-year-old's fitness record makes for grim reading for Gunners fans and is one of the major reasons why there are some doubts about his future in north London.

Tomiyasu has suffered recurring calf injuries since joining Arsenal in 2021, while also having had to contend with knee issues that required surgery, sidelining him for months in 2023.

The versatile star's fitness problems have hampered a promising career and his time at Arsenal could be over, with Arsenal looking to offload one defender following Calafiori's arrival.

Jakub Kiwior is another player who has attracted attention from clubs outside of north London and could be sold at the right price.