“Arsenal Star Player to West Ham this January?” – Opportunity for West Ham, as Arsenal set PRICE for star player who is said to have the same ‘Mentality’ as Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal wants to sell him this January.

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is at the center of transfer rumors as the club braces for potential offers in the upcoming January window. Despite being sidelined with a knee injury, the Japanese international has attracted interest from several top Italian clubs. As speculation mounts, Arsenal has reportedly set an asking price of £25 million for the 25-year-old, who joined the club from Bologna in 2021.

Based on his performance and experience so far, Tomiyasu is said to have the same MENTALITY as Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo. With that, he’s rated as one of the best defenders in the Premier League today.

Arsenal’s Defensive Fortifications

The Gunners have made an impressive start to the 2024/25 Premier League season. Mikel Arteta’s side has only conceded one goal in their first four matches, showcasing their defensive strength. This solid backline has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s rise in recent seasons, aided by smart transfer dealings and tactical discipline.

During the summer transfer window, Arsenal bolstered their defensive options with the £42 million signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori. Though he has yet to make his debut for the club, his arrival further strengthens the squad’s depth. However, this also raises questions about the futures of some of Arsenal’s current defenders, including Tomiyasu, who has been out of action due to injury.

Tomiyasu’s Injury Woes

Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal has been a mixed bag of promise and frustration. The versatile defender, capable of playing as both a right-back and center-back, has made 83 appearances since joining the club. Known for his defensive awareness, tactical flexibility, and ability to read the game, he quickly became a fan favorite in his debut season.

However, his Arsenal career has been marred by injuries. He has missed significant portions of the past two seasons due to recurring knee and calf issues. His latest setback came during pre-season, when he sustained a knee injury that has kept him out of action for the start of the current campaign.

Despite these fitness concerns, Tomiyasu remains highly regarded, with several clubs monitoring his situation closely. According to reports, Inter Milan, Napoli, and Juventus are all interested in bringing him back to Serie A. Inter Milan, in particular, is believed to be leading the race for his signature.

Italian Interest

Tomiyasu has experience in Italy, having played for Bologna before his move to Arsenal. His strong performances in Serie A caught the eye of Premier League scouts, leading to his transfer to North London. Now, it seems that Italian clubs are eager to bring him back, with all three of Serie A’s biggest clubs – Inter, Napoli, and Juventus – reportedly preparing bids for January.

Inter Milan’s interest is the most serious, with the club looking to strengthen its defensive unit. They are expected to test Arsenal’s resolve when the transfer window reopens. Napoli and Juventus are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation, though neither has made a formal approach yet.

For Arsenal, the question remains whether they will entertain offers for Tomiyasu, especially considering his injury record and the arrival of Calafiori. The Gunners are thought to be open to a sale but only for the right price, with £25 million set as the benchmark.

The Financial Aspect

A potential £25 million transfer fee for Tomiyasu would represent a good piece of business for Arsenal, considering the defender’s injury history and his relatively limited role in the squad. The fee would also allow the club to reinvest in other areas or continue their recent trend of improving squad depth.

Tomiyasu’s current contract with Arsenal runs until 2025, meaning the club is not under immediate pressure to sell. However, with competition for places intensifying and Tomiyasu’s injury troubles, Arsenal could view this as an opportunity to cash in on a player who may not be a key part of Arteta’s long-term plans.

Kieran Tierney’s Future in Doubt

Tomiyasu is not the only Arsenal defender facing an uncertain future. Kieran Tierney, another player who has struggled with injuries, could also be on the move in January. The Scottish full-back spent last season on loan at Spanish club Real Sociedad and is yet to re-establish himself in Arteta’s first-team plans.

Like Tomiyasu, Tierney’s Arsenal career has been plagued by injury issues, limiting his availability and making it difficult for him to secure a regular starting spot. The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during the summer’s European Championship but is now nearing a return to full fitness.

Despite his quality, Tierney has found himself behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at left-back, leading to speculation that he could seek a permanent move away from the Emirates. If both Tierney and Tomiyasu were to leave in January, Arsenal would need to assess their defensive options carefully, though the arrival of Calafiori provides some cover in this area.

Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy

Arsenal’s recent transfer strategy has been focused on building a squad capable of challenging for major honors. Under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, the club has made a series of high-profile signings, such as Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, alongside shrewd acquisitions like Jorginho and Leandro Trossard.

However, Arteta and Edu have also shown a willingness to part ways with players who do not fit into the club’s long-term plans. The sale of Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer is a prime example of the club’s readiness to make difficult decisions for the betterment of the squad.

If Tomiyasu is sold in January, it would likely be part of this broader strategy of optimizing the squad for both domestic and European success. Arsenal will also be looking to balance their books following several big-money signings, making a potential £25 million from Tomiyasu’s sale an attractive proposition.

What’s Next for Tomiyasu?

For Tomiyasu, a move back to Italy could provide a fresh start and an opportunity to revive his career. Serie A would offer him a familiar environment where his defensive abilities are highly valued, and where he has already proven himself as a reliable player.

If he can stay fit, Tomiyasu has the potential to become a key player for any of the Italian clubs reportedly interested in him. His versatility and experience at the international level with Japan make him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their backlines.

For Arsenal, January could bring significant changes in the defensive department. With Tomiyasu and potentially Tierney on their way out, the Gunners will need to ensure they have enough depth to maintain their impressive start to the season and continue their push for silverware.

In conclusion, the upcoming January transfer window presents an important juncture for both Arsenal and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Whether he remains at the Emirates or returns to Serie A, his future will be closely watched by fans and clubs alike. As Arsenal sets their asking price, it’s clear that Tomiyasu’s journey in North London may soon come to an end, opening the door for a new chapter in his career.