Takehiro Tomiyasu could finally be set to make his return to football by signing for Ajax, five months after being released by Arsenal.
The 27-year-old became a cult hero in North London, given his talent and ability to play in several different positions.
The defender made 84 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s team across four seasons at Arsenal, only for injuries to hamper his time at the club.
He could now make his long-awaited return to the game by signing for one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, Ajax.
Ajax want to sign ex-Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu
Ajax are really keen on signing former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer, according to VI.
Tomiyasu left Arsenal over the summer following a knee injury, which saw him miss 57 matches last season.
Back in February, Tomiyasu underwent knee surgery, which signalled the end of his time at the Emirates Stadium.
What was your favourite Takehiro Tomiyasu memory?
The Japanese international has remained without a club since leaving the Gunners, but Ajax are now aiming to bring him to the Netherlands.
The Dutch club believe he would be an ‘absolute top signing’ for them, given his versatility, height, and experience at the European top level.
There are obvious doubts over his fitness, given his injury record at Arsenal. But still, Ajax are keen to partner him with his compatriot Ko Itakura at the heart of their defence.
Mikel Arteta was a massive fan of ‘tremendous’ Takehiro Tomiyasu
Arteta was a massive fan of Tomiyasu and claimed back in 2023 that Arsenal did not have another player like him in their squad.
“I always say that I’m really confident the moment Tomi has consistency, because it’s going to be a tremendous asset for us,” Arteta told the media back in 2023.
“He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline. We don’t have a player like him.
“His defending is probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations. His principles and the way he applies them, the way he goes into duels.”
But whilst Arteta claimed back then Arsenal didn’t have anyone quite like Tomiyasu, that is certainly not the case now, as the Gunners have several versatile defenders.
How would you sum up Jurrien Timber’s performance at centre-back vs Aston Villa?
Jurrien Timber has proved to be a huge upgrade on the Japanese defender, with his ability to play as both a full-back and central defender.
The Dutch international has had to fill in at centre-back in games against Brentford and Aston Villa, given the Gunners’ injury crisis.
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