Arsenal mutually agree to terminate Tomiyasu contract

Arsenal have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

His existing deal was set to expire at the end of next season, but he has opted to leave the club.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in August 2021, but has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons, limiting his playing time.

He has required knee surgery in the past two years, missing the start of 2024-25 due to the injury before suffering a fresh problem that saw him undergo an operation in February.

Tomiyasu could have missed up to another five months as he continues his rehabilitation from that surgery.

"After four unforgettable years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to this incredible club," Tomiyasu said in a post on Instagram.

"Obviously, I have got many things to say, but the thing that I want to tell you guys the most is just thank you for the love you guys gave me. I was so happy to be here with my team-mates, Mikel [Arteta], the coaching staff, supporting staff, everyone who was around me in this club.

"From my first day at the Emirates to every moment wearing red and white, it has truly been an honour to represent this badge.

"To the supporters, thank you for the love you've been giving me on and off the pitch. I will never forget it, and it will stay in me forever.

"To the team-mates, I'm so happy that we've shared many memories with you guys, because I know how good you guys are, not only as a player but as a person. I'm looking forward to seeing each of you guys on the pitch soon.

"It's time for a new chapter, but I'm forever proud to have been a Gunner. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner."

Overall, the defender made 84 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, though only one of those came in 2024-25, when he managed just six minutes.

Arsenal are already looking for defensive reinforcements and are reportedly targeting Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.