The relationship between Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arsenal Football Club has officially come to an end. In a move that had been anticipated due to persistent injury struggles, the North London club confirmed that they have mutually agreed to terminate the defender’s contract.
From Serie A to the Premier League
Tomiyasu first arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2021 after impressing in Serie A with Bologna. Arsenal secured his services in the final hours of the transfer window, believing he could bring versatility and depth to their backline.
Known for his ability to play across the entire defense—right-back, center-back, or even left-back—Tomiyasu was initially viewed as a valuable asset for Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup. However, his time at the club has been plagued by recurring injuries that consistently disrupted his momentum.
Inconsistency and Injuries Hampered His Arsenal Career
Despite flashes of brilliance and undeniable commitment on the pitch, Tomiyasu struggled to maintain consistency due to repeated fitness issues. These setbacks not only limited his appearances but also affected his role within the squad as other players rose through the ranks.
Arsenal, aiming to build a robust and reliable defensive unit, seemingly ran out of patience with Tomiyasu’s unavailability. After weighing their options, both the club and the player agreed that parting ways was in the best interest of both sides.
Arsenal’s Official Statement
On Friday, Arsenal issued an official statement on their website confirming the termination of Tomiyasu’s contract, which was originally set to run until the summer of 2026.
“We have reached an agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to terminate his contract with immediate effect,” the statement read.
“We sincerely thank Tomi for his dedication and efforts during his time at Arsenal. He has always carried himself with professionalism and humility. We wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
The announcement marks the end of a three-year spell in North London for the 26-year-old defender.
Potential Spell Without a Club
According to reports from the English press, Tomiyasu is unlikely to find a new club in the immediate future due to his current physical condition. The former Bologna star recently suffered another injury setback and is expected to be sidelined until the final months of 2025.
This means Tomiyasu could spend the next six months without competitive football, and may only return to action in the second half of the 2025/26 season—depending on rehabilitation progress and potential suitors.
Third Exit of the Summer
Takehiro Tomiyasu is now the third high-profile departure from Arsenal during the 2025 summer transfer window. He follows in the footsteps of midfielder Jorginho and full-back Kieran Tierney, both of whom also left the club after their contracts expired earlier in the off-season.
As Arsenal look to reshape their squad for the future and maintain squad fitness levels across all competitions, letting go of injury-prone players has become part of the strategy. For Tomiyasu, however, a new chapter now begins—one that will hopefully bring better fortune and a fresh start once he returns to full fitness.
ALSO READ :
