“Negotiations are advancing”: Journalist Shares positive update as Arsenal set to complete first January transfer business

Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu is close to signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium as “negotiations are going very well”, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano exclusively told GIVEMESPORT whether the right-sided defender could still leave on loan later in the winter window.

The Gunners cannot call up the Japanese international for the upcoming matches as he has been included in his country’s squad for the Asian Cup, which is why he joined his Samurai Blue teammates last week as they prepare to kick off the tournament with a clash against Vietnam on January 14.

But Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal two and a half years ago for £19.8m from Serie A side Bologna, has been in internal discussions over new terms as manager Mikel Arteta wants to reward him for his consistent performances.

Tomiyasu prepares to sign on the dotted line
Tomiyasu is ready to commit his long-term future to Arsenal after behind-the-scenes talks on a new contract began, according to MailOnline, and his position will be a boost after the fans have already spoken out in favor of his signature.

A number of Italian clubs are reportedly keen to offer a move back to Serie A, where the 25-year-old made 61 appearances during his time at Bologna, but he is keen to end speculation about a possible winter transfer and stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Although it emerged that Arsenal had offered a new contract in November, Tomiyasu failed to put pen to paper, giving fans hope that a deal could be done before the February 1 deadline.

The former Sint-Truiden player is in the final 18 months of his current contract, which pays him £55,000 a week, and interested parties will find an opportunity to strike in the coming weeks.

Tomiyasu is known to be wanted by current Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who originally wanted to transfer in the summer but are willing to wait until the end of the season if a winter transfer is not possible.

Prominent journalist Paul Brown recently told GIVEMESPORT that tying Tomiyasu to a new contract would be a positive sign, as Arsenal want to keep their title-winning squad, while also playing a vital role in the Gunners’ pursuit of the Premier League crown, as they have a busy schedule at their disposal thanks to their promotion to the Champions League.

Arteta has made it clear that he intends to frustrate potential suitors from pursuing the full-back, with the Spanish tactician ruling out the possibility of sanctioning his departure midway through the campaign as his versatility could prove valuable in the pursuit of a silver medal.

Fabrizio Romano – Tomiyasu wants to stay with the Gunners

Romano believes Arsenal are making progress in persuading Tomiyasu to sign on the dotted line and make a long-term commitment to the club, as he wants to reject a possible January move and stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Although the Italian journalist is aware that a number of Serie A heavyweights – including reigning champions Napoli – went into the winter window with a desire to acquire the Japanese fan favorite for the rest of the season, the Gunners are determined that he is not going anywhere.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT:

“The negotiations are going very well. The structure of the new contract still needs to be clarified, but Tomiyasu wants to stay.

“We have heard some rumors from Italy that Napoli, Roma and AC Milan are interested in him. It is true that many Italian clubs have considered a loan transfer for Tomiyasu.

“But Arsenal were very clear in their message and said there is no chance of Tomiyasu leaving.”