‘Fantastic’ player ‘loved by everyone in Arsenal dressing room’ finally set for comeback after devastating blow
Takehiro Tomiyasu is reportedly in talks to finally return to football, five months after he left Arsenal by mutual consent.
Arsenal and Tomiyasu agreed to end the defender’s contract in July, with the Japan international suffering from a cruel injury.
The 27-year-old faced several absences throughout his time at the Emirates Stadium, and made just one appearance last season.
William Saliba sent an emotional message to Tomiyasu after the defender’s exit was confirmed, with the former Bologna man having been an extremely popular figure with the Gunners.
Arsenal fans had grown tired of Tomiyasu’s injury problems, however, and his departure was treated as a necessary evil.
Takehiro Tomiyasu set to return to action
Tomiyasu signed for Arsenal from Bologna in 2021, arriving with a cohort that included the likes of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale.
And the defender’s quality was instantly apparent. Deployed on the right side of the defence, the Japan international was a one-versus-one machine, and seemingly unbeatable in the air.
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | Premier League 2021-22 |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Duels won | 104 |
| Recoveries | 89 |
| Interceptions | 24 |
| Tackles | 35 |
On the ball, too, Tomiyasu stunned Arsenal fans with his ability to use both feet with very little issue, always capable of delivering a dangerous cross into the box.
But injury first struck when the 27-year-old was rushed back for a game against Manchester City in 2022. A great performance up against Raheem Sterling proved damaging, and the right-back would miss around four months of action.
The problems never really stopped there, with Tomiyasu regularly facing long periods of absence, whether that be problems with his calf or his knee.
Dutch outlet VI reported on Sunday that the Japan international could finally be set to return to football, with Eredivisie giants Ajax strongly considering a move.
Mikel Arteta was a big fan of Tomiyasu
At full fitness, Tomiyasu is a manager’s dream. The defender can play across the back-line to an incredibly high standard, and likely has the technical ability to push into the midfield if needed.
Mikel Arteta was a massive fan of the defender, and said in 2023: “I love him. Everybody loves him. He’s one of the most popular in the dressing room. You can see the reaction of his teammates towards him.
“They wanted him there at the front, enjoying it. He’s always very reserved and always doing things for the rest of the boys. He’s a fantastic player for the team.”
Arteta and the Arsenal fans will be pleased to see the defender returning to football, finally, with hopes that the injuries can be put behind him.