Mikel Arteta 'approves' Arsenal player's exit wish amid 'interest' from Serie A giants

Arsenal managed to put together a significant clear out over the course of the summer transfer window, with a number of fringe players departing the club. The Gunners have spent big over the last two summers, and they knew they would have to balance spending to stay in the Premier League’s good books, with financial rules currently tighter than ever.

Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale were among those sold, while Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson and others were loaned out. Those departures made for a reasonable summer for Arsenal as far as net spend goes. But there were players who were linked with exits who did not wind up leaving the club.

Jakub Kiwior stayed after an apparent change of heart from Mikel Arteta, while Kieran Tierney’s hamstring injury meant he could not pass a medical at any interested club, with hamstring issues not to be gambled on. Takehiro Tomiyasu is another who was linked with an exit having struggled with injury during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

The Japan international is currently out with a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for weeks to come, but with starts unlikely upon his return due to Ben White nailing down the starting role, he could yet depart in January if Arteta decides he has enough depth elsewhere.

Tomiyasu ‘wants out’

According to Calciomercato, Tomiyasu has already decided that he would like to move on, and there is already plenty of interest from Serie A clubs. According to the report, Napoli, Juventus and Inter Milan are all interested in a deal, sensing an opportunity amid Tomiyasu’s uphill battle for a starting spot.

The report also adds that Arteta has already approved Tomiyasu’s exit wish, with Arsenal reportedly demanding £17million to commission a deal. It’s claimed Juventus will make an enquiry ahead of January, but Arsenal do have all negotiating power with the defender under terms until 2026 with the Gunners also holding the option of an additional year.