What Arsenal internally think of ‘tremendous’ player ahead of contract confirmation

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are set to extend the contract of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, with just 18 months left on his current deal.

The 25-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, and has spent the last month competing in the Asia Cup with Japan, but has now returned, and is set to be available for Sunday’s trip to face West Ham United.

The defender can play anywhere across the back line, and has excelled on both flanks as well as in the centre of defence when he has played this season.

Arsenal are set to confirm his contract extension in the coming days, and Mikel Arteta values him highly, and has previously described him as “tremendous.”

Why Mikel Arteta rates Takehiro Tomiyasu so highly

A report from The Standard has revealed that internally, Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Tomiyasu, and believes that he is one of the best players at the club when it comes to 1v1 defending.

“The 25-year-old is highly valued by Arteta, who considers him among the best one-on-one defenders in the squad,” the report claimed.

Tomiyasu is often selected at left-back ahead of Oleksandr Zinchenko for his superior defensive ability, and his presence in the squad opens up new tactical options for Arteta, as he can play him anywhere in defence to add aerial presence, speed and excellent defensive awareness.

Tomiyasu’s development at Arsenal

Tomiyasu was something of a surprise signing in the 2021 summer transfer window, joining on deadline day from Serie A side Bologna.

He quickly settled, as he was one of the best players on the pitch in his third game for the club, which came in a famous North London Derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur, who were interested in signing him before his arrival at Arsenal.

Tomiyasu has struggled with injuries in all of his campaigns so far, which does present a bit of a concern for Arsenal, but his performances have consistently improved, and prior to his injury in November, he was enjoying the best spell of his career at the club.

The Japan star is consistently excellent at the back, and his ability on the ball has vastly improved, with his two assists against RC Lens in the Champions League a particular highlight.

Having him back in the squad will be a huge boost for Arteta as Arsenal gear up for the next few months, in which they will hope to challenge for the title and progress in the Champions League knockouts.