Arsenal’s versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has emerged as Inter Milan’s primary transfer target for the upcoming January window, as per recent reports. With the winter transfer period more than 100 days away, speculation about his future has intensified, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be reluctantly preparing for the possibility of losing the Japanese international mid-season.

Tomiyasu, standing at an imposing 188 cm, is known for his physicality and strong defensive capabilities. His versatility sets him apart, allowing him to play both as a center-back and a right-back. Additionally, his two-footed ability makes him capable of slotting in at left-back when needed, giving his team flexibility in defense. Since joining Arsenal, he has made a substantial impact on the field, appearing in 83 games, scoring two goals, and providing six assists. His consistent performance has also been reflected in his international career with Japan, where he has earned 42 caps and scored once.

The Japanese defender has been a crucial piece in Arsenal’s defensive setup, which was widely regarded as one of the strongest in the Premier League last season. However, competition for starting spots in Arsenal’s backline is intense, with Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães firmly established as first-choice defenders. As a result, Tomiyasu has often been deployed in the left-back role, a position where Arsenal has had to rotate more frequently, making it his best opportunity for regular minutes on the pitch.

According to The Sun, Tomiyasu has caught the eye of three Serie A giants: Inter Milan and Napoli. However, it’s Inter Milan that is seen as the most serious contender for his signature.

Reports suggest that Inter’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, has identified the 25-year-old as his number one target for the January transfer window, signaling the club’s determination to strengthen its defense.

World Football Rumours

Regarding a potential transfer, Arsenal are reportedly demanding a fee of at least 30 million euros before considering any deal. This price tag is a reflection of Tomiyasu’s current value as a versatile and reliable defensive option. His market value, according to Transfermarkt.com, is estimated at around 35 million euros, underlining his importance to the squad despite not being a guaranteed starter.

If the transfer goes through, it would mark a significant shift for both Arsenal and Tomiyasu. For the Gunners, losing a player of his caliber in the middle of the season would be a major blow, especially considering the defensive solidity they have worked hard to build. Tomiyasu’s departure would reduce their depth at the back, potentially disrupting their efforts to compete for major honors. On the other hand, for Tomiyasu, a move to a top Serie A club like Inter Milan could present a fresh challenge and a chance to secure more regular playing time. The Italian league’s tactical nature could also suit his defensive qualities, making it a good fit for his playing style.

While Arsenal are keen to retain the Japanese defender, the reality of modern football means that if a suitable offer is presented, they may have little choice but to let him go. January could be a pivotal month for Tomiyasu’s career, with Inter Milan seemingly determined to bring him to Italy as part of their defensive reinforcements. Whether or not the transfer materializes, it is clear that Tomiyasu’s future is one of the key stories to watch in the upcoming transfer window.

For all football news, transfer rumors and much more regarding World football stay tuned to us at worldfootballrumours.com.

To stay up to date on the latest from World Football Rumours on social media, follow us on Twitter, and Pinterest.

Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the article lies entirely with the author. The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of worldfootballrumours.com.

Should Inter Milan make a move for Takehiro Tomiyasu?