Arsenal transfer decision vindicated after Mikel Arteta 'personally blocked' £20m exit
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta played a key role in keeping Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window it has been revealed. The Gunners spent over £200million bringing in the likes of Declan Rice, David Raya, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
The latter's arrival saw Tomiyasu drop down the pecking order in Arteta's squad — but after the Dutchman picked up a knee injury on his home debut it has opened the door for the Japan international to play more regularly. Tomiyasu has made 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season and his recent performances have seen supporters urge Arteta to start the 24-year-old more often.
Tomiyasu's versatility has proved to be a real asset for the Gunners — given his capability to play anywhere in defence. Speaking last month, Arteta was full of praise for the Japanese defender and suggested that he was the only player in his squad who had his mixture of attributes.
The Arsenal boss said: «I always said that I’m really confident that the moment Tomi has consistency, he’s going to be a tremendous asset for us. He already is.
»He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline, we don’t have another player like him. At defending, he’s probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations.
«His concepts, his principles, the way he applies that, the way he goes into duels. Now he needs a run of games so that physically he’s at his best.
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»If physically, Tomi is at his best, we’re going to have a player that is so important for us. Especially the
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