Arsenal may be pursuing Ben White, but they have alternatives in mind too – and one of them is Bologna star Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Gunners have White firmly placed as their top defensive target, and will remain confident of raiding Brighton for the England international.
Yet with any deal expensive and other clubs wanting White too, Arsenal are wise to have other options in mind.
Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio now claims that Arsenal want to sign Tomiyasu from Bologna, and are talking to the Italian club about a deal.
Much like White, Tomiyasu can play at right back or centre back, but would come at around a third of the price White would cost Arsenal.
Arsenal have history with Japanese players such as Junichi Inamoto, Ryo Miyaichi and Takuma Asano, and Tomiyasu could now follow in their footsteps – though he would be seeking more success.
This is an interesting rumour because Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham have been chasing Tomiyasu of late, and have allegedly agreed personal terms with him – but need to increase their bid.
That gives Arsenal a chance to swoop in and frustrate their rivals, and Gunners fans have been taking to Twitter to react to the speculation emerging in recent days.
Some think that a move would be ‘interesting’ given Tomiyasu’s ability to play at right back, with fans comparing him to Aaron Wan-Bissaka whilst branding him a ‘superb technician’.
Others really want to see Arsenal hijack Tottenham for this deal, even feeling that Tomiyasu could be a better signing than White – especially as such a move would free up cash for other signings.
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