Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have reportedly parted ways with Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has left the club by mutual agreement following a contract termination, according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel.
The 26-year-old joined the Gunners from Bologna in a £16 million deal in 2021 and made 84 appearances across all competitions. Known for his versatility across the backline, Tomiyasu impressed early on but saw his Arsenal career hampered by a string of injuries that ultimately cut short his time in North London.
Tomiyasu featured for just six minutes during the 2024/25 season, making a brief substitute appearance in a Premier League victory over Southampton in October 2024. His campaign was derailed by a knee surgery in February 2025, with his recovery timeline stretching into late 2025. With his contract initially set to run until the end of the 2025/26 season, both club and player opted to end the deal early.
READ MORE: Arsenal in talks to terminate contract of injured first-team player
Reports suggest that talks over his exit had been ongoing for several weeks, with Saudi Arabian clubs showing strong interest. Hand of Arsenal first broke the news of a potential departure, and also revealed interest from Saudi sides who had made contact with Tomiyasu’s representatives as early as July 3.
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite his fitness issues, Tomiyasu was a well-respected figure at Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta had previously praised his professionalism and attitude, calling him “first-class” and “loved by everyone” following his contract extension in 2024. He became a fan favourite, particularly remembered for his dominant defensive display against Mohamed Salah in a 2022 win over Liverpool.
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In total, Tomiyasu missed 81 matches for club and country due to injury during his Arsenal spell, including a previous knee operation in 2023 and recurring calf problems. The Gunners are already eyeing potential replacements, with Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera among their reported targets.
Tomiyasu, who represented Japan at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, hinted at his determination to return stronger. In a post on Instagram earlier this year, he wrote: “It has been the toughest period in my career, but I won’t give up.”
With interest from the Saudi Pro League growing, the defender could soon be set for a fresh start in the Middle East.
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