Takehiro Tomiyasu opens up on Arsenal exit

Takehiro Tomiyasu, the versatile Japanese defender, has confirmed his departure from Arsenal this summer, clarifying that the decision was not, as some might perceive, a "sudden" one. After four seasons with the North London club, the move marks the end of a tenure characterised by professionalism, defensive solidity, and unfortunately, persistent injury setbacks that often hindered his ability to cement a consistent starting berth.

Arriving at the Emirates in the summer of 2021 from Bologna, Tomiyasu quickly endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful with his calm, composed defending and remarkable versatility. Capable of operating effectively at right-back, left-back, and even as a central defender, his tactical intelligence and physical prowess made him a valuable asset in Mikel Arteta’s evolving system. He provided crucial depth and a reliable option across the backline, particularly during periods of intense fixture congestion or when key players were unavailable. His quiet dedication and unwavering commitment were always evident, earning him respect from teammates, coaches, and supporters alike, who appreciated his no-nonsense approach to defending.

However, the narrative of Tomiyasu’s time in red and white has been undeniably punctuated by a series of unfortunate injuries. From calf problems to knee issues, these physical setbacks frequently interrupted his rhythm, preventing him from building sustained momentum and often ruling him out of crucial stretches of the season. While he consistently returned with renewed determination, the competition for places in Arsenal’s increasingly robust defence – featuring talents like Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães – meant that reclaiming a regular starting spot was an uphill battle. It is this context that likely underpins his statement about the decision not being sudden, suggesting a mutual understanding between player and club regarding the need for consistent game time for Tomiyasu and perhaps a desire for Arsenal to further refine their defensive options.

His departure leaves a void in Arsenal’s squad depth, particularly given his unique ability to cover multiple defensive positions without a significant drop in quality. Yet, for Tomiyasu, it offers a fresh start and the prospect of finding a club where he can play week in, week out, allowing his considerable talents to shine without the constant shadow of injury or intense competition for minutes. His professionalism and defensive acumen will undoubtedly make him an attractive prospect for many clubs across Europe. As Arsenal continues its ambitious project under Arteta, and Tomiyasu embarks on a new chapter, both parties can reflect on a period of significant growth, with the Japanese international having played a quiet, yet important, role in the club’s recent resurgence.