Arsenal announce new contract for Takehiro Tomiyasu

Arsenal have announced that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has signed a new long-term deal at the club.

The Japan international arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Bologna in the summer of 2021, and he has made 73 appearances for the club, scoring once and providing six assists in the process.

Tomiyasu has been restricted to just 20 appearances this season due to injury, though, with his last outing for the North London club coming against Fulham at the end of December.

There has recently been speculation surrounding a potential new contract for the 25-year-old, who is capable of operating across the back four.

Arsenal have now revealed that Tomiyasu has signed a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the agreement will run until June 2026, with the option of a further 12 months.

© Reuters

"Takehiro Tomiyasu has signed a new long-term contract with us," read a statement from the North London outfit on their official website.

The club's sporting director Edu said: "We are very excited to have Tomi with us for more years to come. He has huge qualities both on and off the pitch, and offers so much strength and versatility to our squad.

"Tomi is a top professional and it's great that he'll continue to play an important role in the coming years, as we work towards achieving our goals."

Meanwhile, head coach Mikel Arteta added: "We are so pleased to have Tomi commit his future with us. Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi's attitude, mentality and values are first-class.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, here to stay ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4kAaXIVzcV

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 20, 2024

"Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the squad since joining us.

"The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day is admirable. We look forward to continue working with Tomi in the future years."

Tomiyasu was on the bench for Arsenal's Champions League last-16 second leg against Porto on March 12, suggesting that his injury problems are now behind him.

The Gunners return to action against Manchester City in the Premier League on March 31, before also facing Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion in the league ahead of the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest with Bayern Munich.