Jul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice (41) controls the ball as Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (18) leaps over MLS forward Jesus Ferreira (9) of FC Dallas during the second half of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

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Arsenal Agree To Terminate Contract of Defender After Injury Struggles

Versatile Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu made 79 appearances for Arsenal over the course of four years.

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to terminate the defender’s contract, allowing the Japan international to depart the club this summer after persistent injury struggles. Tomiyasu managed just six minutes of football last season before undergoing knee surgery in February.

Tomiyasu’s latest setback is expected to sideline him until at least December. It followed another knee injury at the start of the 2024–25 campaign, adding to a series of setbacks since the defender joined the Gunners from Bologna in 2021. The versatile defender made 79 appearances for Arsenal over the course of four years.

The Japanese defender was under contract until 2026. But with no viable transfer options emerging due to his ongoing rehabilitation, both parties have opted for a mutual termination to allow Tomiyasu to focus on recovery and seek opportunities elsewhere once he regains full fitness.

Thank you, Tomi ❤️

We have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to end his contract with immediate effect.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 4, 2025

During his time at Arsenal, Tomiyasu featured prominently in the 2023–24 season, making 10 Premier League starts and providing defensive cover on both flanks. However, Arsenal have since strengthened their backline to cover for his absence, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and new signing Riccardo Calafiori providing cover at left-back. Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber and Ben White are the options at right-back for manager Mikel Arteta. Tomiyasu’s exit follows the departure of Kieran Tierney to Celtic.

Zinchenko Facing Uncertain Future at Arsenal

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal looks doubtful as the club are looking to sell the Ukrainian before the September transfer deadline. The versatile 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. He featured for just 522 minutes across 15 Premier League appearances last season.

Once viewed as a key part of Arteta’s system for his technical quality and tactical flexibility, Zinchenko is now deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates. As a result, Zinchenko could be the next high-profile exit. The club has identified Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera as a transfer target for the summer as the Gunners seek to refresh their squad before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Premier League

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.