Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur target Takehiro Tomiyasu, according to The Athletic.
What’s the story?
The Athletic are reporting this morning (10:10am UK time) that Arsenal are keen on signing Tomiyasu from Bologna on transfer deadline day.
Discussions are now underway, but a potential transfer is depending on other player movements at Arsenal.
The report has added that Tottenham have made enquires about the defender, who can play as a centre-back or as a right-back.
However, with Spurs now about to sign Emerson Royal from Barcelona, Arsenal have decided to swoop in for the Japan international.
Would Takehiro Tomiyasu make Arsenal better?
Arsenal reportedly see Tomiyasu as a ‘hybrid defender’ – ‘one who can play on the right-hand side of a back four but helping them build up play in a three’.
Tomiyasu is 22, which means that he can get better in the coming years.
The youngster’s ability to play as a right-back or as a centre-back does make him very appealing indeed.
Arsenal are well stocked in central defence, and maybe Tomiyasu will play as a right-back initially.
Hector Bellerin is reportedly on his way to Real Betis, and the Japan international could take his place at right-back initially.
Tomiyasu scored two goals in 31 Serie A appearances last season, and scored one goal and gave three assists in 29 league games in 2019-20.
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