Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has officially parted ways with Arsenal, with the club announcing that the two parties have agreed to terminate the player’s contract with immediate effect.
Tomiyasu, 26, joined the Gunners from Bologna in August 2021 and made 84 appearances over four seasons in North London, earning two Player of the Month awards during his spell. Comfortable as both a full-back and centre-back, the Japan international was seen as a reliable option in Mikel Arteta’s backline.
However, Tomiyasu’s final season at the club was derailed by injuries, including a knee operation in February 2025 that limited him to just six minutes on the pitch thereafter, with an estimated five-month recovery timeline ahead. With less than a year remaining on his contract, both player and club agreed that a mutual termination was the best path forward.
Jonathan David completes Juventus move: medicals and contract signed
06 Jul - 08:23 •
1' min
Arsenal, looking to reshape their defensive options and free up space in the squad and wage bill, are already targeting reinforcements for the summer transfer window. Tomiyasu, meanwhile, will look to reignite his career as a free agent, attracting interest from several Serie A sides—where he previously impressed with Bologna—and other European clubs seeking a versatile, internationally experienced defender.
