Former Arsenal defender Tomiyasu targeted by Sassuolo and Venezia
Quick summary
Free agent Takehiro Tomiyasu, who left Arsenal at the end of his contract, is being pursued by Serie A side Sassuolo and newly-promoted Venezia.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFormer Arsenal, Ajax and Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could return to Serie A as a free agent, with Sassuolo and Venezia in talks.
The versatile Japan international is out of contract after his experience with Ajax, having joined them for free last summer when leaving Arsenal.
Able to play in central defence, as a right-back or a left-back, he is still only 27 years old.
Tomiyasu could return to Serie A LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal celebrates after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur scored an own goal, Arsenal’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) According to Tuttomercatoweb , there have been negotiations with his entourage for a possible return to Italy with Sassuolo and newly-promoted Venezia.
Tomiyasu wore the Bologna jersey from 2019 to 2021, when he earned an €18.6m transfer to Arsenal.
He amassed 61 Serie A appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists playing for the Rossoblu.
His career was most recently thrown off track by a serious knee injury, which kept him out from July 2024 to October 2025, but he did participate in the 2026 World Cup with Japan.
Venezia made the move for the Japanese player after discovering Marin Sverko requires surgery that could keep him out of action for several months.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Japanese international defender, is available as a free agent after departing Arsenal. Both Sassuolo and Venezia have expressed interest in signing him. Tomiyasu struggled with injuries during his time at Arsenal and made limited appearances in his final season. The Italian clubs see him as an opportunity to add top-level experience to their squads. No deal has been confirmed yet, with discussions reportedly at an early stage.
Chance analysis
Tomiyasu's availability as a free agent represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for mid-table or newly-promoted Serie A sides. His Arsenal pedigree and international experience bring value, but persistent injury concerns are a significant factor. For Sassuolo, adding Tomiyasu would strengthen their defense for a promotion push or consolidation; for Venezia, survival-focused, it would be a statement signing. This is a secondary-tier transfer story unlikely to materially shift league predictions.
Tomiyasu's potential move to Sassuolo or Venezia would marginally strengthen either club's defensive options, though injury doubts limit the upside.
Monitor Tomiyasu's next club decision as it signals his fitness and career trajectory; not directly relevant to upcoming match predictions unless he signs before a fixture.