Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Takehiro Tomiyasu, an Arsenal defender, has agreed to a new, long-term contract with the team.
Despite reports tying him to other clubs, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and the board wanted the Japan international to sign an agreement and stay at the team.
Following the new arrangement, Tomiyasu is set to sign a new, long-term contract with Arsenal. Soon, a formal announcement will likely occur.
The revelation is a significant boost for Arsenal, given how vital the Japanese defender has been to Arteta in recent years.
Given his versatility as a backline defender, he should return to action shortly following his team’s Asian Cup elimination.
Takehiro Tomiyasu | Player Stats
Tomiyasu has played 20 games in all competitions this season, scoring once and assisting three times, and he is set to be eligible for selection when the Gunners meet West Ham United at London Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over the Reds at Emirates Stadium yesterday reduced the gap between them and Liverpool to just two points, and they will be anxious to finish the season well in order to improve their chances of winning the title.
Tomiyasu’s availability for long-term play is rather advantageous because Arteta has stepped in at right-back, left-back, and center-back this season.
To prevent losing this valuable player, Arsenal signed him before Bayern Munich exhibited interest in him during the January transfer window.
The former Bologna star is in his third season at the Emirates Stadium club, with 18 months remaining on his current contract, but the club began negotiations for a long-term extension in November, and it looks both parties have finally struck an agreement.