DBasia.news – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed his reasons for signing Japanese full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna in the last transfer window.
Arteta explained, Arsenal currently need a full-back who can be placed in various positions. Arteta thinks Tomiyasu can carry out this role.
Arteta said, as a defender, Tomiyasu is quite versatile. He can play as a central defender, can play a role in a three-back defense scheme. In short, Tomiyasu is indeed the player Arteta needs to add options in defense.
“We followed him for some time. We needed a full-back who could be placed anywhere, could play at centre-back, could play in a back three, and he has that capacity,” said Arteta.
“He is 22 years old but already has some good experience in Serie A and international level. He is a player with the qualities we are looking for,” explained Arteta.
Arsenal got Tomiyasu from Bologna after spending 19.8 million pounds or around IDR 388 billion.
During his time at Bologna, Tomiyasu made 64 appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists in all competitions. Prior to joining Bologna, Tomiyasu played for Belgian club Sint-Truiden.