Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United and Southampton wanted to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu before he moved to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the summer transfer window, according to The Times.
What’s the story?
Arsenal completed the signing of Tomiyasu from Bologna on summer transfer deadline day.
The Sun reported that the Gunners paid the Italian club £20 million in transfer fee to secure the services of the Japan international defender, who can operate as a right-back or as a centre-back.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the 22-year-old on the club’s official website as “a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball”.
The Times have now reported that Newcastle and Southampton were also interested in the youngster before he made the switch to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United missing out
Arsenal may not be doing particularly well on the pitch at the moment, but they are a massive club and a global brand.
Moreover, the Gunners are based in London, one of the greatest cities in the world.
Now, of course, Newcastle are a big club and have a strong and passionate following, but Arsenal are still very appealing.
Only time will tell if Newcastle will regret missing out on the youngster.
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