Arsenal set for Takehiro Tomiyasu contract boost after Bayern Munich interest

Defender's timely return from the Asian Cup could see him come straight in for the injured Oleksandr Zinchenko

Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to sign a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

The defender’s current deal is due to expire in 2025, although it contains the option to extend by a further 12 months.

Arsenal opened contract talks with Tomiyasu in November and he is now set to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

The Japan international has been in fine form this season and was attracting interest from Bayern Munich ahead of last month’s transfer window.

Arsenal made it clear that they had no plans to sell the defender, however, as he is viewed as a valuable member of the squad.

Tomiyasu has been away with Japan for the past four weeks at the Asian Cup, but they were knocked out in the quarters-finals by Iran on Saturday.

It means the 25-year-old could return for Arsenal this weekend when they travel to West Ham, which would be a timely boost given that Oleksandr Zinchenko was taken off at half-time of Sunday's win over Liverpool with a calf injury.

Takehiro Tomiyasu has become an important player for Arsenal in defence
PA

Tomiyasu has played all across the defence this season and would be able to play at left-back in Zinchenko’s absence.

“I always said that I’m really confident that the moment Tomi has consistency, he’s going to be a tremendous asset for us,” Arsenal boss Arteta said earlier this season.

“He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline, we don’t have another player like him.

“At defending, he’s probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations. If physically, Tomi is at his best, we’re going to have a player that is so important for us.”

Arsenal paid £16million to sign Tomiyasu from Serie A side Bologna in the summer of 2021.

He is settled in north London and said earlier this season how he feels “at home” with Arsenal.

“In fact, I probably speak more in the Arsenal dressing room than I do when I’m with the Japan national team,” he said.

“I’m not the rowdiest person, and they would say that in the national team as well. But it’s good, I feel at home.”

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