Arsenal absolutely want to keep Takehiro Tomiyasu in January amid strong transfer interest from Bayern Munich, according to Sky Sport Germany.
The Japan international was linked with a potential move away from north London last summer. Bayern were linked with the defender but the Gunners had no plans to sell him.
The German champions are now interested in signing Tomiyasu at the turn of the year but Sky Sport Germany claim that a transfer is ‘very unrealistic’ in the winter transfer window.
The Gunners ‘absolutely want to keep him’ with the limited choices in the full-back positions this term, particularly with the long-term knee injury for Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal have no reason to sell Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu had a good debut season with the Gunners in 2021/22 before suffering a calf injury in the back end of the campaign. There was a similar repeat last term.
The 25-year-old picked up a knee injury in March which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
The Japanese has managed to stay unscathed this campaign. He has already played 800 minutes and was a regular starter before the November international break.
In our view, Tomiyasu remains a vital player for the Gunners. He is the immediate back-up option for Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the full-back positions.
On current form, the defender could also start regularly in the coming weeks with the hectic schedule. Hence, there is no reason for Arsenal to consider his exit.
The Gunners will, however, need to deal with his absence between January 12 and February 10 due to his participation with his country at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
