Everton have an area that needs desperate reinforcement and a former Arsenal player is the perfect solution.
After a window full of ups and downs for the Toffees, David Moyes is happy with Everton’s business.
Nine new arrivals, over £100 million spent, and a new-look attack ticks all the boxes of what both Moyes and The Friedkin Group wanted.
So far, it’s reflecting well on their results as well, but the Scotsman might not be fully satisfied.
This is because of one improvement that’s needed, but Everton can sort that with a free agent deal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Everton should sign free agent and former Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu
With it being made clear that Everton could sign free agents this summer, all fingers should be pointed at former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was released this summer.
The Toffees manager wanted a right-back on deadline day, but ultimately the owners failed to bring this resolution to the surface.
Another area was centre-back, as Moyes clearly felt depth at the back is needed, but this is where Tomiyasu can kill two birds with one stone, after proving his worth with Arsenal following four seasons in North London.
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His wage might be on the expensive side, but after Everton took on Jack Grealish’s salary, it has been shown that it can easily be done.
The Japanese defender would be the perfect solution, and if his quality is to be questioned, one of his former teammates has proven why he would be incredible business.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been called ‘world-class’ as Everton can make amends for failure
Not only is his versatility an appealing option for the Toffees, but his overall quality on the ball and off it will be of intrigue.
In January 2022, Gunners defender Ben White spoke to DAZN about the 26-year-old, and it was nothing but high praise.
“Tomi is amazing. He’s the best right-back I’ve ever played with. He’s always focused. It’s an honour to play next to him,” White said.
“Tomi does the simple things at a world-class level. He is very alert, and he isn’t careless in games. From the beginning, he has completely understood English, and speaks as well as I do.”
So, exceptional praise, a versatile option, a good age, what’s not to like?
Not to mention, he would be completely free, and despite an injury-ridden campaign last season, the Japan international has shown how he can flourish on the Premier League stage.
Games played 22
Goal involvements 3 (2G+1A)
Pass accuracy % 85.5%
Aerial duels won 2.05
Interceptions per 90 1.42
Duels won % 53.3%
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s 2023/24 Premier League statistics, as per FotMob
It’s an option to consider, and with Moyes prioritising a right-back all of last summer, this is certainly worth a punt.