Tomiyasu to Leave Arsenal After Injury-Hit Spell

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arsenal have mutually agreed to part ways, ending his four-year stay at the club.

The Japanese international, whose contract was originally set to run until the summer of 2026, has struggled with recurring injuries, playing only six minutes in the entire 2024–25 season. He is currently recovering from knee surgery and is expected to be out for at least another five months.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in August 2021 for a fee of approximately £16 million. During his time at the club, he made between 79 and 84 appearances across all competitions. Known for his versatility and discipline in defence, he was a reliable option when fit, but his impact was severely limited due to persistent injury problems.

Arsenal’s decision to release Tomiyasu early is understood to be part of a wider summer rebuild under the club’s new leadership, which is placing a greater emphasis on consistent availability and long-term squad planning. The mutual termination allows the defender the opportunity to find a club where he can play regularly once he regains full fitness.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among supporters. Many fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some praising Tomiyasu’s professionalism and calling him a “model player.” Others questioned the timing of the exit, suggesting the club could have given him another season to prove his fitness. One fan commented, “If he would be back by November or December, why terminate his contract now?”