Arsenal Must Sell Takehiro Tomiyasu in January to Solidify Title Hopes
Arsenal must make a tough decision in the January transfer window. The persistent injury issues of Takehiro Tomiyasu have rendered the Japanese defender redundant in Mikel Arteta’s squad. While the 26-year-old battles fitness problems, promising youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a dependable replacement. Arteta’s side now faces a critical juncture in their season, especially after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton on Saturday. That result leaves Arsenal six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who also have the advantage of a game in hand.
Tomiyasu’s ongoing struggles with fitness have forced Arteta into frequent reshuffles. Against Everton, Jurrien Timber filled the right-back role, while 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly comfortably slotted in at left-back. With Lewis-Skelly showing confidence and composure beyond his years, Arteta now has a viable option to rely upon. Selling Tomiyasu this winter seems increasingly logical, as his absence continues to hinder the Gunners’ progress. The funds generated could help strengthen other areas of the squad as Arsenal pursues its title aspirations.
Arsenal invested heavily in Tomiyasu, signing him for £19.8 million after an impressive 2020/21 season at Bologna. Initially, he offered a solid defensive presence, replacing Hector Bellerin as the club’s first-choice right-back. His debut campaign in North London showcased his talent, but unfortunately, recurring injuries limited his contributions. Since then, his role within the squad has steadily diminished. Ben White has firmly established himself as the preferred option at right-back, leaving Tomiyasu sidelined.
Moreover, summer signing Jurrien Timber has quickly leaped ahead of Tomiyasu in Arteta’s plans. Timber’s reliability and versatility make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s tactical system. Meanwhile, Tomiyasu’s season has been marred by fitness setbacks, restricting him to just one seven-minute appearance. Such limited involvement speaks volumes about his struggles to remain available. According to TransferMarkt data, the Japanese international has missed a staggering 68 games for club and country since the start of the 2021/22 season. Arsenal cannot afford to retain a player who consistently fails to contribute on the pitch.
Tomiyasu’s position as a utility defender has also taken a hit on the left flank. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Timber have all moved ahead of him in the pecking order. Even youngster Lewis-Skelly now seems to provide better value. The 18-year-old’s composed performance against Everton further underlined his readiness to step up when needed. Arteta’s faith in the academy graduate could make Tomiyasu’s departure all the more justifiable.
Interestingly, Arsenal reportedly received offers for Tomiyasu last January but chose to keep him at the club. This time, however, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy cannot afford to repeat that decision. If similar proposals arrive in the winter window, they must act swiftly and cash in. Tomiyasu’s fitness issues have made him a liability, and his high wages only compound the problem. Reports suggest the defender earns around £100,000 per week, a figure that hardly aligns with his limited contributions.
Ultimately, selling Tomiyasu would not only free up significant wages but also create room for reinforcements. Arsenal remains in the hunt for the Premier League title, but every squad member must play a role in that pursuit. Keeping an injury-prone player on such high wages risks stalling their progress.
Arsenal must prioritize the team’s needs and part ways with Takehiro Tomiyasu this January. With Myles Lewis-Skelly stepping up and other options already available, Arteta can afford to let the Japanese defender go. The funds and resources gained from his sale could help the Gunners maintain their title challenge and build a stronger, more reliable squad for the rest of the season.
