Arsenal face unpleasant £20m transfer decision as big fears grow months after deal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could face an unpleasant conversation surrounding the future of Takehiro Tomiyasu after the defender picked up yet another injury.

Tomiyasu arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of August 2021, sealing a close to £20million move from Serie A outfit Bologna.

The versatile defender was billed as a solid squad addition for Arteta, but three years later, the full-back’s unreliable injury record continues to plague his involvement.

During each of his first three seasons at the club, Tomiyasu missed a substantial period of time while in the treatment room and so far this term he’s managed just one appearance.

Having come off the bench against Southampton during Arsenal’s final game before the international break, Tomiyasu was afforded two weeks away from action, given Japan weren’t involved in any matches.

But much to the frustration of Arteta and Arsenal fans alike, the Japanese international has suffered yet another setback.

Commenting ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, Arteta said: “It doesn’t look like a long period but we have to see when he comes back, how he reacts to the load and the impact on the pitch too.

“We really need him. He’s been incredible — his work-rate, the amount of hours he’s put in to get back, he did it.

“He was in great shape and now he’s got something else again. But we’re all behind him. He needs our support and hopefully, he’ll be fine.”

Arteta might be putting on a strong front, but Tomiyasu’s constant unavailability does pose a worrying problem for the Gunners boss.

If Arsenal wish to compete on multiple fronts, while attempting to end a two-decade wait for a Premier League title, the north Londoners require a dependable squad of players, both in the starting XI and off the bench.

Tomiyasu was handed a one-year contract extension earlier this year which will take him through until 2026, with the option to extend it for another season.

But if he’s unable to contribute to Arsenal’s endeavours this season, Arteta and co. might have a decision to make come the summer.

The Gunners’ title pursuit continues this afternoon when they visit the Vitality Stadium before Arsenal welcome the challenge of Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Following that, one of Arsenal’s biggest tests of the season awaits, with Arne Slot’s table-topping Liverpool set to make the journey to the capital next Sunday.