Arsenal close to Tomiyasu transfer

After months of searching, it seems that Arsenal has found their new right-back. The Gunners are finalizing a deal for Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna. The fee is rumored to be just above £16m with potential add on’s included. The Bologna defender is versatile who can play either center-back or right-back. With the very likely departure of Hector Bellerin, it’s almost guaranteed that Tomiyasu will play in the right-back position under manager Mikel Arteta.

The 22-year-old agreed to a four-year contract with Arsenal. The deal doesn’t affect any movement in a potential exit for versatile player Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who’s voiced his opinion on wanting to leave the club. However, Tomiyasu will at least bring some stability in the position that’s been an absolute mess in three Premier League matches this season. In addition, Tomiyasu brings a potent attacking threat that could help Arteta switch between a traditional back four to a back three, depending on who the Gunners are playing.

Despite bringing in now, center-back Ben White, left-back Nuno Tavares, and now right-back Tomiyasu, Arsenal have still conceded nine goals in three games without scoring one. However, all three players are expected to be fit for selection against Norwich City on Sept 11; it’ll bring more stability defensively for Arteta’s starting lineups.

Since joining Bologna, Tomiyasu has featured over 30 times for the Serie A side. English rival, Tottenham Hotspur, were interested in Tomiyasu but ultimately decided to prioritize a transfer for Emerson Royal from Barcelona. As the final hours of the transfer window arrive, Arsenal is not expected to bring in any more business but could feature another exit or two if the right offer comes for one of their fringe players at the club.