After four years of service, Arsenal have officially agreed to a contract termination with Japan international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The 26-year-old has struggled with recurring injuries, which severely limited his availability and influence during the 2023–24 season.
The 26-year-old Japanese defender, known for his versatility and disciplined defensive style, struggled with recurring knee injuries that limited his game time significantly. After joining Arsenal from Bologna in , Tomiyasu quickly established himself as a reliable presence across the back line, capable of playing both right-back and left-back. However, persistent fitness setbacks, including a major surgery in early 2024, left him sidelined for most of the last season—appearing for only six minutes.
Takehiro Tomiyasu At Arsenal
- Full Name: Takehiro Tomiyasu
- Age: 26
- Nationality: Japan
- Position: Defender (Right-back/Left-back)
- Joined Arsenal: 2021 (from Bologna)
- Contract Expiry: 2026 (Terminated in 2025)
- Appearances (All Competitions): 54
- Goals: 1
- Caps for Japan: 42
- Status: Free agent (Recovering from injury)
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Arsenal Journey Ends Early
According to BBC Sport, Takehiro Tomiyasu played just six minutes in the previous season due to a significant knee injury that required surgery. The recovery period is expected to last another five months, keeping him sidelined until at least December 2025. The defender, who joined Arsenal in 2021 from Bologna, was initially contracted until 2026. However, with no transfer interest due to his injury status, both parties agreed to an early termination.
Tomiyasu enjoyed a strong start at Arsenal, praised for his defensive intelligence, versatility, and work ethic. He featured at right-back and left-back, providing reliable cover across the back line. But recurring injuries, including another knee problem in 2023, disrupted his momentum.
Tomiyasu, who has 42 caps for Japan, remains focused on recovery. Once fully fit, he is expected to attract interest from clubs across Europe and Asia. Despite his injury history, his age and experience ensure he still has a promising career ahead if he returns to peak condition.
Why Arsenal Moved On From Takehiro Tomiyasu
During Tomiyasu’s extended absence, Arsenal reinforced their defensive options. The emergence of young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly and the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurriën Timber have bolstered Mikel Arteta’s squad. Meanwhile, Ben White continues to be a preferred starter at right-back, further limiting Tomiyasu’s potential game time.
With strong depth in defence and Tomiyasu’s long recovery period ahead, Arsenal opted for a mutual parting of ways. The decision mirrors previous moves, such as Kieran Tierney’s transfer to Celtic and Oleksandr Zinchenko being listed for a potential departure. Arteta is also pursuing Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, as the Gunners continue to reshape their defensive lineup.
With Arsenal now focused on rebuilding their defensive line and integrating younger full-backs like Jurriën Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, the club has opted to part ways with Takehiro Tomiyasu a year early. As he continues recovery and targets a return to action by late 2025, Tomiyasu is now a free agent, aiming for a fresh chapter once he regains full fitness.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did Arsenal terminate Takehiro Tomiyasu’s contract?
Arsenal terminated Tomiyasu’s contract due to his long-term injury status and limited game time. He only played six minutes last season and is expected to be sidelined until late 2025.
Q2: What is next for Takehiro Tomiyasu?
Tomiyasu will continue his recovery from knee surgery. Once fit, he is expected to explore new club options, possibly in Europe or Asia.
Q3: How long was Tomiyasu at Arsenal?
Tomiyasu spent four years at Arsenal, joining in 2021 and leaving in 2025 after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.
Q4: What positions did Tomiyasu play at Arsenal?
Primarily a right-back, Tomiyasu also featured at left-back and occasionally in central defence due to his versatility.
Q5: Did injuries impact Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal?
Yes, recurring knee injuries significantly limited his appearances, especially in the final two seasons of his Arsenal spell.
