Arsenal are pushing to complete the deadline-day signing of versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, according to a report.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, JUNE 5, 2021 - International Friendly between U-24 Japan and U-24 Ghana. (Photo via Imago Images)
Takehiro Tomiyasu, JUNE 5, 2021 – International Friendly between U-24 Japan and U-24 Ghana. (Photo via Imago Images)

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day. Discussions are ongoing, but a deal does depend on other player movements, likely the exit of Hector Bellerin to Real Betis.

Arsenal believe Tomiyasu is a good fit for their system as he’s comfortable playing right-back and centre-back. As a result, he can play on the right-hand side in a back four, but also in the right of a three.

Tottenham Hotspur made enquiries for Tomiyasu earlier in the summer, but they’re now focusing on Barcelona’s Emerson Royal.

Arsenal have been quietly pursuing Tomiyasu for a while now, with reports in July that they were in talks with Bologna over a potential deal.

At that point, The Athletic suggested the 22-year-old would cost around €17m plus add-ons. It’s not clear how much that price tag has changed in almost two months since.