Arsenal slap £25m price tag on the 25-year-old star linked with three Serie A giants: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly facing a challenge to retain defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, with several clubs expressing interest. According to a report from The Sun, the Gunners have now set a £25 million price tag on the defender.
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal in 2021 from Italian side Bologna for a reported fee of £15.5 million, and has since been a key part of Arteta’s plans. After making just 22 appearances in his first season, he has played in over 60 matches across all competitions over the past two terms.
However, injuries have been a major concern for Tomiyasu. He underwent knee surgery during the 2022/23 season and missed more than 10 games last year due to muscular injuries. Just as he began pre-season this year, he suffered another knee injury and has not been part of the Arsenal squad since.
He is expected to return at the end of September and will likely play a backup role to the likes of Ben White and Jurrien Timber. The summer signing of Riccardo Calafiori for a reported fee of £42 million further pushes Tomiyasu down the pecking order.
As a result, they may be open to selling the Japanese defender if an offer of £25 million comes in, as per the aforementioned report. Italian clubs, including Juventus, Napoli, and Inter Milan, are all interested in signing him.
The Sun has also reported that Inter Milan are leading the race, as Tomiyasu fits Simone Inzaghi’s need for a versatile defender who can play in both a back three and a back four.
Arsenal target Barcelona defender Jules Kounde - Reports
Arsenal arguably have one of the strongest defensive units in the league. They have also been the best defensive unit over the past year and have started this season strongly, conceding just one goal in five games.
While players like William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber are considered regular starters, questions have been raised about the futures of Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Tomiyasu, given their limited roles this season.
As a result, the Gunners may consider letting them go if a convincing offer comes in, which could prompt the club to seek defensive reinforcements. According to a recent report by Fichajes, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde is one player they are interested in. Reports suggest that Arsenal are willing to offer £41.9 million (€50m) for the Frenchman in the upcoming transfer window.
Although both Barcelona and Hansi Flick view Kounde as an important part of their plans, the club may be forced to sell due to their financial difficulties. However, it is certain that Barcelona will not let go of Kounde easily and will demand a significant fee if clubs show interest.