Inter and Arsenal are negotiating a loan deal to move former Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu back to Serie A. According to Calciomercato, talks have recently gained momentum after the Japanese star fell out of the picture in London.
Tomiyasu left Italy to join the Gunners for €20 million in the summer of 2021. However, recurring injury problems have plagued his career at the Emirates Stadium. He made 31 appearances last season but only 13 as a starter.
Arsenal’s aggressive recruitment campaign demands fundraising in player sales. Tomiyasu could be a casualty, with Inter ready to pounce. After capturing Jurrien Timber from Ajax for a reported fee of €40m, Mikel Arteta is willing to let the 24-year-old go.
While they’d preferably cut him loose permanently, a loan deal remains on the cards. Strapped for cash, Inter cannot afford Tomiyasu’s price tag, particularly amid the ongoing quest to land Yann Sommer and Lazar Samardzic.
Instead, they’d take the ex-Bologna defender on a temporary basis with an option to buy. But there’s a catch. It’s believed Tomiyasu’s €3m-a-year gross salary is prohibitive for last season’s beaten Champions League finalists.
From the player’s standpoint, a return to Serie A seems to be a perfect option. He’s found himself low in the pecking order. At 24, he’s unprepared to sit on the bench. Therefore, he could push for a move. Inter must play a waiting game, but there’s a reason for optimism.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |