Arsenal terminate Takehiro Tomiyasu's contract

Takehiro Tomiyasu will not continue at Arsenal after mutually agreeing to the termination of his contract. He was still contracted until 30 June 2026, but both parties have decided that it was better not to continue after a year on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

"Everyone at Arsenal  would like to thank Tomi for his contribution to the team and wish him and his family all the best in the future," the Gunners said in their statement, which highlighted the physical problems suffered by the player in the last two seasons.

Between the beginning of 2024 and so far in 2025, the full-back has only been able to participate in 11 matches. Last season 2024-25, only one, six minutes in Arsenal's 3-1 win against Southampton on 5 October. In this time, the player has had to undergo surgery several times to review his operation on his right knee.

Tomiyasu, a 42-cap international for Japan, began his professional career in 2015 with Avispa Fukuoka and made the leap to Europe with Belgian side Sint-Truidense. In 2019 he signed for Bologna, where he shone for two seasons before arriving at Arsenal in August 2021.

Recognised for his defensive strength and his ability to play both as a full-back and as a centre-back, he was a useful tool for Mikel Arteta, but physical problems extinguished his spark. He departs the Emirates Stadium having played 83 matches in which he scored two goals and provided six assists.