Arsenal ‘make Takehiro Tomiyasu contract decision’ after Bayern links
Arsenal have allegedly presented Takehiro Tomiyasu, a target for Bayern Munich, with an upgraded contract in recognition of his outstanding performance during the 2023-24 season.
The Japanese defender quickly became a fan favorite at the Emirates after joining on the deadline day in 2021, having been previously linked to Tottenham Hotspur.
Initially establishing himself as Mikel Arteta’s preferred right-back after Hector Bellerin’s departure, Tomiyasu faced setbacks due to injuries and played a secondary role to Ben White last season.
Despite these challenges, the 25-year-old has reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup through a series of strong displays, contributing one goal and two assists in 18 matches.
In October’s 5-0 victory over Sheffield United, Tomiyasu scored his first goal for the Gunners and went on to provide two assists in Arsenal’s 6-0 Champions League triumph over Lens on Wednesday, assisting Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.
The adaptable defender, utilized in both left-back and right-back roles this season, has completed the entire 90 minutes in Arsenal’s last three Premier League matches.
Moreover, he secured a spot in the starting lineup for the Gunners’ past four Champions League fixtures, contributing to their clinching of the top spot in Group B with one game remaining.
While Takehiro Tomiyasu’s existing contract runs until 2025, Arsenal possesses the option to extend it for an extra 12 months.
Mikel Arteta expressed his keenness to continue collaborating with the Japanese international ahead of the 1-0 victory over Brentford last weekend.
“I really want him to stay. I value the player a lot, I really like him. I think he’s loved and respected by everybody at the club,” Arteta told a press conference when asked about Tomiyasu’s contract situation.
“He’s getting a lot of minutes now, he’s getting his availability to the level that we need for him to make an impact in the team and I think he will continue to be with us.”
Earlier reports suggested that negotiations for a new contract were underway between Tomiyasu’s representatives and Arsenal.
The latest information from The Athletic indicates that Arsenal has indeed extended a renewal offer to the player.
All involved parties are reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement “in due course,” paving the way for Tomiyasu to join the ranks of key players who have recently extended their contracts at the Emirates.
In the past 13 months, prominent figures like Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, William Saliba, and Odegaard have committed to the club, with ongoing discussions also taking place with White’s representatives.
Since 2021, Tomiyasu has contributed one goal and five assists in 71 appearances for Arsenal.
Despite being substituted for White at half-time during Wednesday’s clash with Lens, a match where Arsenal had already secured a commanding 5-0 lead, this decision by Arteta was reportedly a strategic move to manage the playing time of every squad member.
Tomiyasu is expected to be part of the lineup in Saturday’s home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
A victory against Gary O’Neil’s side would temporarily propel Arsenal four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. Notably, Manchester City is not in action until Sunday’s highly anticipated match against Tottenham.
Arsenal ‘make Takehiro Tomiyasu contract decision’ after Bayern links