Takehiro Tomiyasu moved to Arsenal on transfer deadline day from Bologna. The defender can play at centre-back or right-back and became the final piece of Mikel Arteta’s summer transfer business.
Yesterday he was in action for Japan. He helped his country defeat China 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier, with Yuya Osako netting the only goal of the contest.
Tomiyasu lined up as a central defender during his latest international runout. The consensus among Arsenal supporters, however, is that he will play more often at right-back for the Gunners.
The 22-year-old cost the club £16 million in the summer. He’d been linked with Tottenham for quite some time but signing Cristian Romero ended their pursuit.
Tomiyasu will now head to London. He will begin training with Arsenal, although this weekend’s game against Norwich seems likely to come too soon for a debut.
The Gunners have started the season in miserable fashion. They have lost all three of their Premier League games so far and are yet to score a goal.
Arteta finds himself under a bit of pressure and he desperately needs a run of wins. Norwich have also been beaten three times this season and Saturday represents a massive opportunity for both teams.
What have Arsenal fans said about Tomiyasu?
The Japan international did well yesterday, helping his team to a clean sheet. Arsenal could do with some of those too and they’ll dearly hope he can get settled quickly.
Following his efforts yesterday, supporters took to Twitter. It seems as though plenty were satisfied with his showing and can’t wait to see him in action at the Emirates Stadium.
The versatile defender looks like an intriguing addition. He is young, has experience of playing in a top league and crucially, can play in a number of positions.
Here is what Arsenal fans had to say as Tomiyasu starred for Japan during their recent World Cup qualifier.