Arsenal ‘agree’ £20m deal for Tomiyasu who can play in multiple positions
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal worth £20million with Bologna to sign versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Gunners have been keeping an eye on the 22-year-old all summer, and are now ready to make a Deadline Day swoop for the Japan international and bring him to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta's side had faced competition from Tottenham to sign Tomiyasu, but their north London rivals have now turned their attention to Barcelona star Emerson Royal.
According to The Athletic, that leaves Arsenal with a free run at signing the defender, who will cost £20million once add-ons are factored into the deal.
They say that he fits the profile of player the Gunners are looking for as he is technically gifted and physically strong.
Tomiyasu's versatility is also a big bonus, with the Bologna man capable of playing at right-back and centre-back.
That could be invaluable to Arsenal at the moment as they struggle through a defensive crisis.
First-choice centre-halves Ben White and Gabriel have both been missing through illness, while Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares have disappointed at right-back.
Are you pleased with Arsenal's business this summer? Let us know in the comments section.
Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin looks set to leave the Emirates and join Real Betis on loan.
Arsenal believe Tomiyasu will be able to play in the right-hand side of a back four, or in a back three, giving Arteta plenty of options.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that the north Londoners have agreed an initial £17million deal with Bologna, with £2.6million to come in add-ons.
He tweeted: "Takehiro Tomiyasu to Arsenal, agreement reached and here we go!
"Personal terms agreed and Bologna will receive €20m plus €3m add-ons.
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"Medical during the afternoon and then official announcement. Here-we-go."
Plenty more business is expected at the Emirates before the transfer window closes tonight.
Reiss Nelson is a target for Dutch league leaders Feyenoord, while Mohamed Elneny could also depart.
One person who will be staying in north London is Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The England international saw his loan move to Everton blocked by Arteta and will now remain at the club – despite being told to train away from the first-team this week.
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