Arteta has accepted he might lose 25y/o Arsenal star in January, player keen on exit – report | OneFootball

Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus are all tracking Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of the January transfer window, and he is open-minded to the idea of a move, according to the Sun.

The North London club are expected to demand at least £25 million for the 25-year-old, and manager Mikel Arteta has accepted he might lose the player in the New Year.

Inter have identified the Arsenal star as their number-one target for January, but both Napoli and Juve will battle them for his services as they look to bring him back to Serie A.

Tomiyasu has yet to feature for the Gunners this term after a knee injury in July saw him miss out on the squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.

He has fallen behind in the pecking order despite being able to play across the backline, with the return of Jurrien Timber from injury and the signing of Riccardo Calafiori set to see him struggle for further playing opportunities this term.

Arsenal are well-stocked at centre-back and full-back and it is understandable if they want to cash in on him.

The Japan international joined them from Bologna in the summer of 2021, signing a contract extension until 2026 in March.

Tomiyasu has played 83 games for Arsenal and will now look to return to full fitness in the coming weeks and get back to action.

He is unlikely to be the only player who could leave the Emirates Stadium club in January, with Scotland international Kieran Tierney also likely to be moved on after his injury prevented him from a summer exit.

Timber provides the versatility Tomiyasu brings to the table, and the Netherlands international is proving his fitness following an injury-ridden campaign with the Gunners.