Arsenal may be bracing for the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu as interest heats up from top Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, Napoli, and Juventus, according to Sun Online. The Japanese defender is reportedly open to exploring a move, putting the Gunners on alert.

Arsenal is expected to demand a fee of at least £25 million for Tomiyasu, who has won the hearts of fans at the Emirates.

However, with his playing time diminishing, manager Mikel Arteta seems prepared for the possibility of losing him in the upcoming January transfer window.

Inter Milan is believed to be leading the race, having earmarked Tomiyasu as their primary target for the winter. Since his arrival from Bologna in August 2021, the 25-year-old has established himself as a key player, making 83 appearances and contributing two goals and six assists.

Though he has struggled with injuries throughout his stint, Tomiyasu has made a lasting impression whenever he’s been on the pitch. Currently, he’s sidelined with a knee injury that has kept him out for the start of this season, an unfortunate setback that caught Arteta off guard. “It’s unbelievable,” Arteta lamented, highlighting the player’s hard work and the unexpected nature of the injury just before the campaign kicked off.