Dec 5, 2022; Al-Wakrah, Qatar; Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (16) during the second half of a round of sixteen match against Croatia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al-Janoub Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

soccer

Arsenal Part Ways with Takehiro Tomiyasu Following Injury Struggles

Arsenal have officially agreed to terminate the contract of Takehiro Tomiyasu, ending the Japan international’s four-year stay in North London. The decision comes amid ongoing injury concerns for the 26-year-old defender, who is not expected to return to full fitness for another five months following knee surgery.

Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021, was once seen as a dependable and versatile option in Mikel Arteta’s backline. Equally comfortable at right-back or as a central defender, he impressed early on with his disciplined positioning and defensive awareness. However, his time at the Emirates has been plagued by recurring fitness issues, which ultimately limited his impact on the squad.

A Season Lost to Injury

The 2024–25 season marked a particularly difficult period for Tomiyasu, as he managed just six minutes of playing time before undergoing surgery for a serious knee injury. The setback followed a similar injury suffered in 2023, further hampering his ability to compete for a consistent place in the team.

With his contract originally set to run until 2026, Arsenal and Tomiyasu have now reached a mutual agreement to end his deal early, allowing the defender to focus on recovery and seek new opportunities once fit.

Squad Depth Leaves Tomiyasu Behind

During Tomiyasu’s extended time on the sidelines, Arsenal’s defensive options have evolved. The emergence of Jurrien Timber, the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, and the development of young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly have added depth and flexibility to Arteta’s defensive unit. Ben White, Tomiyasu’s long-time competitor at right-back, remains a key figure in the squad.

Given the depth now available and the uncertainty around Tomiyasu’s long-term fitness, the club concluded that parting ways was the most practical option for both sides.

Tomiyasu leaves the club with 54 appearances in all competitions, remembered by many fans as a hardworking and committed professional whose Arsenal career, though promising, was ultimately derailed by injuries.

ALSO READ: Chelsea Player ‘Could Miss’ Club World Cup Quarterfinal Following Diogo Jota’s Untimely Demise