Takehiro Tomiyasu: Arsenal confirm new contract for versatile defender

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2026.

The new two-year deal, which includes an option to extend by a further year, is reward for the 25-year-old’s fine form this season prior to the injury that has kept him sidelined since returning from the Asia Cup.

The Japan international has played only 73 times for the Gunners since his arrival from Bologna in the summer of 2021, with each of his campaigns in north London disrupted by injury. When fit, however, his versatility in playing across the back line has been vital to Mikel Arteta’s side.

“We are so pleased to have Tomi commit his future with us,” Arteta said. “Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi’s attitude, mentality and values are first class. Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the squad since joining us.

“The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day, is admirable. We look forward to continue working with Tomi in the future years.”

Having struggled with a calf problem at the back end of last year, Tomiyasu returned to fitness to play in the defeat at Fulham on New Year’s Eve before travelling to Qatar for the Asia Cup.

He played in all but one of Japan’s games at that tournament, but returned with what Arteta described as a “niggle”. He has been left out of Japan’s squad for the ongoing international break and is expected to be fit when the Gunners face Manchester City in a vital clash in the title race on March 31.

Summer signing Jurrien Timber is also closing on a return in what would be a further boost to Arteta’s defensive options head of the run-in.

“I'm so happy to extend my contract because Arsenal is one of the best clubs in the world,” Tomiyasu said. "It’s a dream to play for this club, so I'm happy.

“I want to achieve something. I want to win something with my team-mates, with the supporters.”