Arsenal set to make transfer decision on 25-year-old star amidst interest from 4 Serie clubs including Juventus and Napoli
Arsenal are reportedly willing to let go of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in the January transfer window or the next summer. According to CaughtOffside, the Japan international could depart the Emirates, with multiple clubs from Serie A interested in signing him.
The report further claims that the Gunners are concerned with his injury history and thus could part ways with him. AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and Inter Milan have all expressed interest in the player.
The versatile Tomiyasu signed for Arsenal from Serie A side Bologna in the summer of 2021. He made 30 appearances across all competitions, collecting two goals and three assists in the 2023-24 campaign. However, he also missed over two months of action, suffering from injuries to his calf and knee.
Further, the return of Jurrien Timber from his ACL injury as well as the addition of Riccardo Calafiori sees the Gunners with a variety of options in the backline. Tomiyasu may find it difficult to get game time over the duo or the likes of Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior.
Pundit makes emphatic claim about Arsenal star after splendid performance in 2-2 draw against Manchester City
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Gary Stevens has suggested that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is among the best in the world at his position. The former defender also went on to praise Mikel Arteta for sticking by the Spaniard.
He said (via Stadium Astro):
"He’s certainly a keeper in form, in great form. He’s right up there. He’s dominant when he comes to crosses and he’s a great shot-stopper. He joined the club on loan and there was that debate over who would start.
"Mikel Arteta stuck with Raya and he’s now a permanent signing and Arsenal have got this one right, 100%."
Asked whether he considered Raya the best goalkeeper in the world on current form, Stevens added:
"Yeah, he’s right up there."
Raya was a rock at the back for Mikel Arteta's side in the 2-2 draw against defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad on September 22. He completed nine saves in all and exhibited great control in his area to deal with balls into the box.
His performance helped Arsenal hold onto a point after they were reduced to 10 men in the first half. However, Manchester City scored an equaliser in the 98th minute through John Stones.