It has now been revealed that Arsenal are now set to open talks with popular defender Takehiro Tomiyasu over a new contract.
The 25-year-old has been in fine form this season, appearing across the backline, and his contract is set to expire in 2025.
Arsenal do have an option to extend his deal by another year, but it appears that they are set to reward his good performances with a new deal, and to fend off transfer interest from elsewhere in the Japan international.
Arsenal set for Takehiro Tomiyasu talks
A report from TEAMtalk has now revealed that Arsenal will enter contract talks with the versatile defender in the New Year.
A recent report from The Sun claimed that Bayern Munich were eyeing up the defender, and Arsenal will be keen to keep hold of him.
Inter Milan were interested in Tomiyasu over the summer, but Arsenal rejected any idea of selling him despite his difficult campaign last season, which saw him miss a lot of games with injury.
Tomiyasu’s importance to Arsenal
Tomiyasu has hit a different level this season, with his outstanding defensive ability proving vital on both sides at full-back.
He has been selected ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko on a number of occasions given the extra solidity he can provide in the back line, and it is easy to see why Bayern are keen on Tomiyasu.
In recent years, Bayern have signed, and sold Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, who are both centre-backs equally capable of playing on the flanks.
Tomiyasu is almost a combination of both in that he can play in all three positions across the back line, offering pace and strong ability on the ball in the middle, and is strong in the air compared to typical fullbacks.
Arsenal have been diligent with contract renewals in the last year. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Martin Odegaard all signed long-term deals, whilst Ben White is expected to follow suit soon.
White once described Tomiyasu as “world-class,” and both right-backs look set to stay for the foreseeable future.
Tomiyasu started on the right in White’s absence against Burnley before the international break, but the pair have successfully played together in a variety of combinations, and both are important assets for the club, having arrived in the same summer window in 2021.
It is hoped that Tomiyasu will sign fresh terms, and Arsenal will be able to keep such a useful player within the squad for the long term.
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