Takehiro Tomiyasu’s agents have reportedly taken an assertive role in trying to secure a deal with Inter Milan for the Arsenal defender with a hefty €35m price tag attached to his name.

Arsenal fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu has reportedly attracted the attention of Inter Milan, and his agents are apparently working hard to orchestrate a move.

Despite certain sources downplaying these rumours, Italian outlet Inter Live maintains that Tomiyasu’s transfer to the Nerazzurri is a genuine possibility.

An ‘exclusive’ story from the same site suggests that the 24-year-old Japanese international was proposed to Inter by an Italian intermediary who is part of his entourage, aware of Inter’s apparent need for additional defensive strength.

However, the primary obstacle for this potential deal is the financial aspect, as it tends to be with any deals involving Italian clubs.

Arsenal are allegedly asking €35m for Tomiyasu’s transfer, a figure that Inter will likely find too steep. They have paid more than €30m for a player 10 times, six of whom came from other Serie A sides.

Tomiyasu, under contract with Arsenal until 2025, made 31 appearances for the Gunners last season, only to be sidelined in the final weeks due to a knee operation.

Acquired from Bologna for his ability to cover both central defence and right-wing positions, Tomiyasu initially added depth to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

A serious knee injury in March, however, reduced his role to that of a rotation player after calf problems blighted his first two years at the club.

Inter Milan’s interest in Tomiyasu is amplified due to his familiarity with the Serie A style of play.

However, the prospects of a deal seem to hang in the balance, as Inter prefer a loan deal, while Arsenal will only consider an outright sale.