Takehiro Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal has come to an end following a mutual agreement between the club and the Japan international to terminate his contract early.
The 26-year-old departs the Emirates a year before his deal was due to expire in 2026, as both parties agreed a fresh start was the best path forward.
First reported by BBC Sport, the decision comes after a frustrating period for Tomiyasu, who was limited to just six minutes of action last season due to knee surgery.
His recovery remains ongoing, with full fitness not expected for another five months.
The defender also suffered a similar setback in 2023, marking back-to-back seasons plagued by long-term injuries.
Tomiyasu, a 42-cap international for Japan, was regarded as a dependable option in defence, often deployed at right-back but capable of covering various roles across the back line.
However, his inability to remain consistently available hindered his impact in north London.
Arsenal’s defensive depth has significantly evolved during Tomiyasu’s absence, with the rise of Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Ben White, who had previously shared the right-back role with Tomiyasu, remains a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s plans. These developments likely influenced the decision to part ways.
Tomiyasu’s football journey could have followed a different trajectory. At age 11, he impressed at a Barcelona youth camp and was offered a spot at La Masia.
However, concerns over relocation led him to remain in Japan, where he began carving out his career before stints in Belgium with Sint-Truiden and later Italy’s Bologna. His performances there earned him a move to Arsenal in 2021.
Now entering a new chapter, Tomiyasu will continue his rehabilitation and hopes to return to the pitch before the end of 2025.
At just 26, the versatile defender is expected to attract interest from clubs once he proves his fitness.
