Arsenal huddle
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Arsenal have officially confirmed the departure of Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, which was originally due to run until June 2026. The 26-year-old exits the club after four years, having joined from Bologna in August 2021 for a reported £16 million.
Tomiyasu, widely respected for his professionalism and versatility, shared a heartfelt farewell message on Instagram, expressing deep gratitude to the club and its supporters.
“After four unforgettable years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to this incredible club,” Tomiyasu wrote. “Obviously, I have got many things to say, but the thing that I want to tell you guys the most is just thank you for the love you gave me. I will never forget it, and it will stay in me forever. I’m forever proud to have been a Gunner.”
The emotional post drew an outpouring of support from fans, who praised the defender for his dedication and humility.
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Tomiyasu arrived at Arsenal with promise and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his ability to operate across the defensive line, excelling at right-back, left-back, and centre-back. He made 84 appearances for the Gunners, scoring twice and assisting six times.
However, Tomiyasu’s Arsenal career was hampered by recurring injuries, particularly to his knees. He managed just six minutes of football during the 2024/25 season, making a solitary appearance off the bench against Southampton in October before undergoing surgery in February, an operation that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign and beyond.
The club’s decision to end his contract early was influenced by both his ongoing rehabilitation and the evolution of Arsenal’s defensive setup. The Gunners now boast a restructured backline featuring Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ben White.
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Arsenal acknowledged Tomiyasu’s departure in a warm statement: “We have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to end his contract with immediate effect. Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Tomi for his contribution to the club and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Manager Mikel Arteta, who has previously lauded Tomiyasu’s “incredible” work ethic and adaptability, remained publicly supportive during the defender’s injury setbacks, often noting the personal difficulty of recovering far from home.
As Arsenal prepare for the upcoming season, they are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Valencia’s 21-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who is also capable of playing at right-back, a potential long-term replacement for Tomiyasu.
The Japanese international’s future remains uncertain, though interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and a possible return to Serie A have been reported. Regardless of his next destination, Tomiyasu’s farewell left no doubt about his affection for the club: “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
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