3 Serie A clubs in race to sign £25m-rated Arsenal star yet to appear this season: Reports
Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu is reportedly on the radar of Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli and is open to one move in particular. The versatile Japanese defender is sidelined with a knee injury, but his future is the subject of speculation.
The Sun reports that the three Serie A clubs are all monitoring Tomiyasu, 25. Last season, he was a handy utility man at the back for Mikel Arteta. He appeared 30 times across competitions, posting two goals and three assists.
Inter are notably the club posing the biggest threat to Arsenal keeping hold of Tomiyasu. The Nerrazzuri have made the 42-cap Japan international their top transfer target for the January transfer window.
Tomiyasu, a fan favorite at the Emirates, is thought to be open to joining Simone Inzaghi's side. He has just over a year left on his contract with the Gunners, having joined the north Londoners from Bologna for £15.5 million in August 2021. His club are only ready to start the bidding at £25 million.
Arteta will be keen to avoid selling Tomiyasu, judging by his stance on the right-back last season. He said that the player was a unique talent (via arseblog):
"He’s an exceptionally professional player who gives us a versatility and qualities that nobody else has in the squad. For me he’s a really important player."
Tomiyasu's knee injury has prevented him from appearing this season. His return isn't imminent, which could put interested suitors off a potential January swoop if the issue doesn't subside before the winter.
"It's a bit slow" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives an update on Takehiro Tomiyasu's recovery
Arteta spoke about Tomiyasu's injury situation a few weeks ago and noted that his recovery was taking its time. The Spanish coach told reporters (via Caught Offside):
"At the moment, it’s difficult to say. It’s a bit slow the process of the first phase of that injury. It’s probably for the medical team to say more on that."
Tomiyasu has missed wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-0), Aston Villa (2-0) and Tottenham Hotspur (1-0). He also sat out a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion (1-1) and isn't in the squad for tonight's (September 19) UEFA Champions League clash with Atalanta.
Arsenal also have the biggest game of their season on Sunday (September 22) when they travel to the Etihad to face Manchester City. It's unlikely Tomiyasu will be part of the squad that faces Pep Guardiola's Cityzens.