Ex-Arsenal man Tomiyasu targeted as free agent by Sassuolo and Venezia | OneFootball

Former Arsenal, Ajax and Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could return to Serie A as a free agent, with Sassuolo and Venezia in talks.

The versatile Japan international is out of contract after his experience with Ajax, having joined them for free last summer when leaving Arsenal.

Able to play in central defence, as a right-back or a left-back, he is still only 27 years old.

Tomiyasu could return to Serie A

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal celebrates after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur scored an own goal, Arsenal’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

According to Tuttomercatoweb, there have been negotiations with his entourage for a possible return to Italy with Sassuolo and newly-promoted Venezia.

Tomiyasu wore the Bologna jersey from 2019 to 2021, when he earned an €18.6m transfer to Arsenal.

He amassed 61 Serie A appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists playing for the Rossoblu.

His career was most recently thrown off track by a serious knee injury, which kept him out from July 2024 to October 2025, but he did participate in the 2026 World Cup with Japan.

Venezia made the move for the Japanese player after discovering Marin Sverko requires surgery that could keep him out of action for several months.