Arsenal: 4 positives of Takehiro Tomiyasu transfer

3. Ben White Needed a Better Sidekick

Well, we say he needs Tomiyasu but the fact is we don’t know that yet. In terms of profile it suits but we’ll have to see it in practice first.

However, Ben White needed someone. You can’t go splashing a club record £50m transfer fee on a central defender only to leave them playing alongside Cedric or Chambers. Bringing him in to sit alongside mediocrity won’t bring the best out of him.

Watching Kieran Tierney have to over-compensate for Pablo Mari against Chelsea is an example of how the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Bringing in a right-back was initially felt like something that could have been postponed. There was so much work to complete with the midfield slots in desperate need of attending to, so putting the brakes on that position was felt an acceptable step to take. The least necessary, if you like.

Thankfully the window closes after three rounds of fixtures are played. Chambers’ late season form has categorically not carried over. Cedric, meanwhile, is still Cedric.

The need for someone with greater aerial ability on that side to complement White’s lack of presence for high balls was essential, and standing at 6’2″, Tomiyasu fits that bill. How they dovetail will be interesting.

Furthermore, for someone who likes to carry out from his own box there has to be a more secure option alongside who is strong in one-on-one situations and running with his back to goal to cover. Someone physically able.

Tomiyasu offers that more than the current options.