Takehiro Tomiyasu says he wants to give something back to Arsenal supporters after committing his long-term future to the club.
The Japan international, a popular player on the terraces since joining from Bologna in 2021, has signed a one-year extension that keeps him contracted at Emirates Stadium until 2027.
The 25-year-old is one of a raft of players rewarded with new deals by Mikel Arteta in the last 18 months as the Gunners look to build on a stable core in the seasons ahead.
The progress of the squad in the last three years is something that excites Tomiyasu.
“I think we have improved a lot because when I joined, we were not playing in a European competition but now we are playing in the Champions League and we are in the title race,” he told Arsenal.com.
“Hopefully I am better than before! I am still learning a lot of things from Mikel and my teammates. I still have the capacity to improve so I will try to be a better player and also a better person as well.”
Confirmation of Tomiyasu’s new deal comes after the defender returned to fitness following a recent calf problem. He’s hoping he can play his part in the run as Arsenal look to end a 20-year wait for a league title and push for Champions League glory.
“When I’m on the pitch I feel the love and energy from the supporters,” he said.
“We are connected a lot so I want to give them something back. I am playing for Arsenal, and this means I’m playing for the Arsenal supporters. That’s why I dedicate my life to this club and the supporters.
“I want to give them something back. The connection between players and supporters is a different level and that makes it more special.”
Hope he stays fit for the rest of his Arsenal career, great player and guy! Him, Saliba, Benjamin, Gabriel, Timber, Kiwior and Zinny are a great group of defenders, best in the world!
I agree, possibly best in the world. Italian clubs usually have good defenders, but they only know how to park the bus to block the street completely. Liverpool has Van Dyke, Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold but I don’t think their plan B is as strong as ours.
If he stays fit he can definitely step up another level.
Good, versatile player, but his injury record isn’t great and it always happens when he is playing well. He is in the Jesus category when it comes to his reliance.
You get the feeling that Arteta will sign another defender this summer despite Timber coming back into the squad and contract extensions to Tomiyasu and White
I won’t say it directly but instead of a defender we might want Aussie men.
Crocodile Dundee?
If so, seems like an opportunity for taking a risk on a young prospect or promoting an academy player. Adding Timber back into the mix will mean 7 quality defenders to rotate with a lot of versatility to cover different scenarios as needed. Defender #8 isn’t going to get much more than occasional cameo appearances barring something crazy injury wise so seems like an area where some risk could be taken to develop a player for the future. No need to splash too much cash, the defense is already the best in the league and still on the up.
Is it just me, or does Edu look like he’s done a little line of the Devil’s dandruff iin this picture…?
Ya, or Tomi grabbed his bum
Congrats, Tomi. Best wishes 🙏🏾
Shoving Richarlison for the next 3 years
He is the new Mo Elneny in terms of positive, hard working, dedicated professional who doesn’t need superstar wages. Her just wants to be the best he can be.
Gotta love a self aware player.