Arsenal target Takehiro Tomiyasu transfer hijack at Spurs

Arsenal have yet to sign Ben White this summer despite being on the cusp of doing so for a number of weeks. It’s a transfer that is felt to be near enough complete and will be finalised once the centre-back returns from England duty.

Everyone has to have backup options, however. Setting sight on one player only to be outgunned by a team who can offer higher wages or Champions League football, lists aren’t just for the supermarket.

That is no more prevalent than in Arsenal’s pursuit of midfielders where Martin Odegaard was followed Emi Buendia and then James Maddison, with Yves Bissouma and Manuel Locatelli all in the frame elsewhere.

Contingency plans must be drawn up.

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Arsenal target Takehiro Tomiyasu transfer hijack from Tottenham as Mikel Arteta eyes defensive reinforcements in summer window

It’s become apparent that centre-back was a high priority as soon as the White news emerged. Other links to players well beyond Arsenal’s reach were mentioned, but a Premier League ready option that would cost a cool £50m proves just how serious Mikel Arteta is about the position.

Gabriel’s injury could prove costly and William Saliba’s loan move away also lowers the numbers, and should White arrive he will be granted an extended break before linking up with his new teammates.

There are always concerns though and the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia has revealed that Arsenal have contacted Bologna over Takehiro Tomiyasu. The defender will be known to most as he’s been heavily linked with signing for Tottenham in recent days, a move The Athletic reported he strongly favours. There is still some disagreement over the fee.

However this attempted hijack could change the Japanese international’s mind.

Both Sp*rs and Arsenal are in talks over a deal that is said to end up costing around £18m. An interesting option for the Gunners to consider who could be simply casting their net wider in case of an emergency, there is no doubting the 22-year-old is ready for a step up from Bologna.

Comfortable on the ball and excellent at reading danger, his ability to tackle players effectively while sprinting is demonstrative of his strong mobility and body positioning – and his 1.36 passes blocked per 90 (92nd percentile) is credit to his athletic reactions. Aggressive in the tackle but smart at slowing forwards down to allow for extra cover to get into a blocking stance, it’s not surprising why someone like Nuno Espirito Santo holds an interest.

Some of his distribution under pressure could use work and while a smooth passer of the ball, some additional pace in that department would be beneficial. As a White alternative, he doesn’t completely fit the profile.

What if he wasn’t intended to be used as a centre-back?

Continued…