Mikel Arteta has been pushing the Arsenal hierarchy to agree on terms with Bologna for Takehiro Tomiyasu, but the defender’s arrival depends on outgoings, per The Athletic.
The Gunners are striving to finalise a Deadline Day deal with Bologna for Tomiyasu to move to the Emirates Stadium. Discussions are ongoing between the Premier League and Serie A sides, with any transfer likely to cost £16m plus add-ons.
But Arsenal cannot give Arteta the go-ahead to sign Tomiyasu until they have cleared space for the Bologna enforcer. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin are the most likely to leave north London before Tuesday’s deadline. But neither have yet secured deals to move.
Arsenal still consider Everton’s best offer for Maitland-Niles to be short of their valuation. The England international will speak with Arteta on Monday afternoon to try and resolve his future before the deadline passes.
Bellerin also wants to leave north London before the end of the summer window, with Real Betis an option. Arsenal are open to loaning the Spaniard to the La Liga side, which would free Arteta to sign Tomiyasu.
Arteta admires Tomiyasu and wants to see the Gunners bring the Bologna right-back to the Emirates Stadium. He has pushed internally for the Japan international as he fits the bill for a physically and technically strong option.
Tomiyasu can additionally play at centre-half, which appeals to Arsenal, who believe he can serve as a hybrid defender. The 22-year-old would line up as a right-back when defending, but helping to build play out from the right-hand side of a three-at-the-back defensive line.
Arsenal paperwork completed for Tomiyasu transfer, under Arteta request
Arsenal seem to have followed Arteta’s wishes, as Fabrizio Romano adds the ‘paperwork’s completed’ between the Gunners and Bologna. Technical Director Edu also worked fast to agree personal terms with the 23-cap international before a medical on Tuesday afternoon.
The Italian transfer expert claims the deal will be worth an initial £17m plus £2.5m in add-ons, via The Guardian. He will join earlier summer arrivals Ben White and Nuno Tavares as new faces in Arteta’s leaky and underperforming backline.
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