Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the progress that Arsenal are making towards agreeing new contracts with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Arsenal are keen to tie both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu down to new deals at the Emirates Stadium.
White’s consistency and versatility has made him a player of crucial importance. Whilst he has now established himself as the north London club’s first-choice right-back, and has developed an excellent on-field relationship with attacker Bukayo Saka on the flank, he is still capable of slotting back into the heart of the rearguard if required.
White showed a side of his character which many people will not have seen before this week. The 26-year-old confronted teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko on the pitch after the Gunners’ 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, as he felt that the left-back was at fault for the late goal that Arsenal conceded.
Mikel Arteta was delighted to see this show of frustration from White, as he feels that it demonstrates that his players demand high standards of one another.
Tomiyasu is another vital player at the Emirates Stadium, as he is reliable and comfortable when playing in any position across the back-four. Arteta can call upon the Japan international in a variety of scenarios.
The former Bologna man may not be a nailed-on starter, and his persistent fitness issues are a frustration, but when he has been available and at his best this season Tomiyasu has seriously threatened to usurp Zinchenko in the pecking order.
Arsenal working to secure futures of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu
Fabrizio Romano has now provided a progress update on the club’s efforts to agree fresh terms with White and Tomiyasu.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter said, “I think it’s quite normal while we are in the January transfer window not to advance in terms of contracts.”
“Tomiyasu is also at the Asian Cup, so he is obviously not advancing to the final stages of talks right now, but discussions with both players are going very well.”
“Arsenal are very optimistic, and both players are very happy at Arsenal. I think, at the end of the year, we will see both Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu with new contracts at Arsenal.”
Arteta will now be hoping that both players’ futures can be resolved quickly and satisfactory, as White and Tomiyasu’s full focus will be needed throughout the second half of the season.
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