Arsenal make Tomiyasu transfer stance clear after audacious proposal launched

02 August 2023 , 12:08

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Arsenal make Tomiyasu transfer stance clear after audacious proposal launched

Arsenal have no interest in allowing Takehiro Tomiyasu to leave on loan amid interest from Inter Milan.

The Japanese international moved to the Emirates two years ago from Bologna and was regularly used before losing his spot in the starting XI last term. New arrivals and a defensive reshuffle meant Tomiyasu only started six times in the Premier League.

He would ideally like more minutes and Inter are open to bringing the defender to the San Siro, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. His previous Serie A experience is seen as a plus but the Italian side only want to add Tomiyasu on loan for the year - without any option to buy.

Arsenal are against that type of exit and, if they do sanction the Japanese star's departure, want it to be on a permanent deal as they remain open to offers. The Gunners paid £16m to land Tomiyasu two summers ago and, as they look to offset their £200m summer spend, would want a notable fee.

That could prove beyond Inter, which may scupper any deal. Already the Champions League finalists have had to offload several stars who were integral last term, simply to ensure they remain financially compliant.

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Tomiyasu spent periods of last season on the sidelines through injury and could be among those who leaves north London as Mikel Arteta looks to trim his squad. The Spaniard is currently working with 30 players, despite largely picking from an incredibly small number last term as he regularly named an unchanged XI.

"We have 30 players here which is unsustainable, and obviously the market is still open," he said. "Things can happen - but we are prepared. We are really happy with the squad we have at the moment; we obviously have improvements to make in terms of what we want to do in games, and we have to do that. Overall, I'm really pleased with the team."

Arsenal have brought in Declan Rice for a club-record fee with Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also bolstering their ranks. Granit Xhaka has been the only notable departure from the Emirates with an increase in competition for places.

That could leave certain players struggling for minutes, despite the Gunners competing on four fronts this term. The likes of Fabio Vieira, Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun are all being linked with exits as they seek regular football. The latter of that trio excelled whilst on loan last term but has Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah ahead of him in the pecking order.

Samuel Meade