Arteta explains what he ‘really wants’ as £16m Arsenal star faces January exit

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Mikel Arteta is hoping to see Takehiro Tomiyasu stay at Premier League giants Arsenal beyond the January transfer window with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich keen on the Japan international. 

With Bayern on the lookout for defensive reinforcements and with Raphael Varane’s wages proving to be a rather substantial stumbling block, this is where Takehiro Tomiyasu comes in. 

Arsenal’s Mr Versatile, the £16 million signing from Bologna back in 2021 is another player on Bayern’s wishlist. And, according to Sky Germany, Bayern could turn to Tomiyasu if a deal for number one target Varane proves to be beyond their financial means. 

Bayern Munich eye Arsenal raid

The Japan international has only 18 months left on his Gunners contract, even if Arsenal do have an extension clause at their disposal. Talks over a new, long-term deal are set to get underway imminently, per the Daily Mail; Arsenal leaving nothing to chance in the face of interest from Thomas Tuchel’s German giants. 

“I really want him to stay,” Mikel Arteta told Football London at his Friday press conference. “I value the player a lot. He is loved and respected by everybody at the club.  

“He’s at the level we need to make an impact on the team. He’s going to be with us.”

Tomiyasu has started only seven games this season. But his enduring versatility ensures he remains a hugely important part of this Arsenal squad, the 25-year-old cult hero proving himself to be a more-than reliable option at right-back, left-back and at centre-half too. 

Arteta wants Takehiro Tomiyasu to stay

Arsenal’s arm may be twisted, however, if Romanian stopper Radu Dragusin can be brought in to the Emirates as a potential Tomiyasu replacement. Florin Manea, Dragusin’s agent, claims to be in London for talks with Arsenal and co. 

“I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams. We are getting closer. I spoke with Newcastle, with Arsenal, with Tottenham. I also have the messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask,” Manea explains.

“I want to say that, 100 per cent by next summer, Radu will play for a very strong club. One in the top 10 in the world. He wants to be in the Premier League, but I know that Milan like him a lot. I talked to the people there.”