Arsenal has officially announced the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu, confirming that the Japanese defender has left the club by mutual consent.
The 26-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Serie A side Bologna in August 2021, made 84 appearances across all competitions during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
Tomiyasu made an immediate impression following his arrival, establishing himself as a reliable right-back. His consistent performances earned him the Arsenal Player of the Month award twice—first in September 2021 and again in October 2023.
Injury Setbacks and Limited Playing Time
Despite a promising start, Tomiyasu’s progress was derailed by a string of injuries that limited his availability in recent seasons. In the 2023/24 campaign, he managed just a single appearance off the bench.
Faced with recurring fitness concerns, both the club and the player have decided that parting ways would be the best decision to allow Tomiyasu a fresh opportunity to revive his career elsewhere.
A Distinguished International Career
Before joining Arsenal, Tomiyasu’s journey took him from Avispa Fukuoka in Japan’s J1 League to Sint-Truiden in Belgium, where he was named Player of the Season in 2018. His performances led to a move to Bologna, and eventually to the Premier League.
On the international stage, Tomiyasu has been capped 42 times for Japan, representing his country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and most recently, the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, where he played a crucial role in helping Japan reach the quarter-finals.
Club Statement
“Everyone at Arsenal thanks Takehiro for his professionalism, dedication, and contributions on and off the pitch,” the club said in a statement. “We wish him and his family the very best in the next chapter of his journey.”
As Tomiyasu begins a new phase in his career, Arsenal fans will remember him for his discipline, work ethic, and humble presence both on and off the pitch.
