Arsenal Parts Ways with Injured Defender in Mutual Contract Termination

Reports suggest that Arsenal have come to an agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu regarding the termination of the Japanese defender's contract.

The defender played only six minutes throughout the previous season and had knee surgery in February, which is anticipated to sideline him until December. He also missed the beginning of the 2024–25 season due to another knee problem.

With his deal running until 2026, Arsenal would have preferred to sell Tomiyasu during this transfer window, but due to his injury concerns, no buyers came forward. According to BBC Sport, the club has decided to terminate the 26-year-old's contract.

A mutual agreement has been struck with Tomiyasu, who will now depart Arsenal during this summer window.

During the 2023–24 campaign, Tomiyasu was a consistent squad member for Arsenal, making 10 Premier League starts and frequently being utilized as a substitute left-back. However, the Gunners have strengthened their defensive options to compensate for his unavailability.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has become the preferred choice at left-back, while Riccardo Calafiori is also capable of playing in that position. At right-back—Tomiyasu's natural position—playing time has been divided between Jurriën Timber and Ben White.

This competition for positions has already resulted in Kieran Tierney's move to Celtic, and Oleksandr Zinchenko is also reportedly available for transfer.

Mikel Arteta is looking to add another center-back this summer and is targeting Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera. The 21-year-old's contract is set to expire in 2026.

An offer reportedly worth £15 million ($20.5 million) has been turned down. Valencia are attempting to secure the promising young player with a new deal but might be compelled to sell later in the transfer window if Mosquera continues to decline their offers.