Arsenal have confirmed the release of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of next season.
The Japan international still has one year left on his contract, with the option for an additional 12 months.
But Tomiyasu‘s time with the Gunners has been plagued by injuries and he is not expected to return from a knee problem until later this year.
The long-term issue required surgery in February and reduced the 26-year-old to just six minutes of gametime last season. A previous knee injury, which required surgery in 2023, also caused him to miss the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Thank you, Tomi ❤️
We have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to end his contract with immediate effect.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 4, 2025
Arsenal make ruthless decision on future of Takehiro Tomiyasu
Amid his injury woes, the BBC reported on Friday morning that Arsenal and Tomiyasu have come to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
The club confirmed the report this afternoon, stating that injuries were the primary reason behind the decision. “It was therefore mutually agreed to end Tomi’s contract in order for him to start a new chapter in his career,” a statement read.
The right-back, who could play across the backline, made 84 appearances in all competitions for the North London outfit following his transfer from Bologna in 2021.
Tomiyasu is the latest defender to leave Arsenal this summer. Kieran Tierney re-joined Celtic following the expiry of his contract and Nuno Tavares has moved to Lazio. Youngster Elián Quesada-Thorn has also been released.
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