Bayern Munich are looking at a move for Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu in January, but the Gunners want to extend the defender’s contract.

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Bayern Munich were very interested in Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in the summer transfer window.

Though nothing came of their interest at the time, Bayern are now hoping to sign Tomiyasu in the January transfer window instead, according to the report.

A winter transfer is still viewed as very unrealistic, as Arsenal “absolutely” want to keep Tomiyasu in north London. But Bayern’s interest persists all the same.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk report that Arsenal are planning new contract talks with Tomiyasu, given his existing deal expires in 2025, albeit with an option to extend by a further year to 2026.

The Gunners have been quick to move on various expiring contracts over the last year or two, and it seems the Japan international is next on their list.

Tomiyasu has made 16 appearances for Arsenal this season, taking on an increasingly important role under Arteta.

Though Ben White seems to have nailed down his position at right-back, Tomiyasu is still starting regularly as a left-back or a centre-back.

Tomiyasu is currently away with Japan for the international break.

The 25-year-old was absent from their squad for the opening game of the break, but Japan denied an injury, citing fatigue as the motivating factor behind their decision to exclude him.

After Tomiyasu himself reported that he was fully fit, he then returned to the team for their match against Syria on Tuesday, confirming his claim and easing fan nerves.