Transfer News: Tottenham joined by Arsenal in pursuit of Takehiro Tomiyasu
According to transfer news from reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Football.london), Tottenham are set to face serious competition from arch-rivals Arsenal in the race for Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer.
Tomiyasu began his career with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan before moving to Europe in January 2018 when he joined Belgian outfit Sint-Truden. Having impressed heavily during his time with the club, the 22-year-old was signed by Bologna in the summer of 2019.
Tomiyasu has made 63 appearances for Bologna so far, in which he has scored and assisted three goals apiece. The 22-year-old, who can play at centre-back as well as at right-back with equal comfort, took the field 33 times in the 2020/21 season.
Tottenham have registered an interest in the Japanese international, with the club even having said to be close to signing him in a deal worth £17m. However, with negotiations still ongoing, Arsenal have decided to make a move for Tomiyasu as well, initiating talks with Bologna to try and hijack the deal.
Tottenham are set to see Serge Aurier and Toby Alderweireld depart this summer, making Tomiyasu a viable target as he can provide cover at both positions. Arsenal, too, are in a similar boat, having lost David Luiz while Hector Bellerin is also on his way out, which is why they are pushing for a move to sign Tomiyasu. (h/t Football.london)
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
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The report, however, does claim that the Japanese international, who is currently away in Tokyo preparing for the Olympic Games prefers a move to Tottenham. But that is not likely to discourage the Gunners. It now remains to be seen who comes out on top in the battle to sign Tomiyasu this summer.