When will Takehiro Tomiyasu make his Arsenal debut?
When will Takehiro Tomiyasu make his Arsenal debut?
Tomiyasu joins on deadline day
Arsenal made their sixth, and final, addition on deadline day as Takehiro Tomiyasu joined the club from Italian outfit Bologna. His move to north London was confirmed after Hector Bellerin departed for Real Betis, leaving the Gunners looking for a replacement right back.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Takehiro Tomiyasu 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/trL4Wq7zXW
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2021
The Japanese international is thought to have set Mikel Arteta’s side back around 20 million euros, with the defender having signed a long term deal at his new club.
🚨 If Takehiro Tomoyasu completes his proposed permanent transfer to Arsenal, the price will be £16m plus bonuses to Bologna. #AFC have been determined to strengthen at right-back & Mikel Arteta pushed internally for 22yo Japan international @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/WNg4IWm6uj
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 31, 2021
Upon joining the club, the right-back has been handed the number 18 shirt, before jetting off to join his international teammates.
Will Tomiyasu feature against Norwich?
As already mentioned, Tomiyasu has just finished international duty with Japan, and as such has not actually been to London Colney (Arsenal’s training ground) as of yet. Speaking ahead of the game against Norwich, however, Arteta hinted that he could find his way directly into the first team come Saturday, saying:
“He is back in the country now. I will meet him for the first time today probably and train with him, see how he is, get a feel for it. He has been playing, so he should be completely fit. We have been impressed, that is the reason we decided to sign him.”
However, it will have to be cleared logistically first, with the Arsenal boss revealing that a work permit would be needed first:
“We need a work permit first. The club is working hard to try and achieve that in the next couple of hours.”
🗣 Mikel Arteta says that the club are working on producing a work permit for Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of the Norwich game.
pic.twitter.com/69rAk3C8yP
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) September 9, 2021
Will we see Tomiyasu start against the Canaries?