Takehiro Tomiyasu time at Arsenal has officially come to an end, but the Japanese defender may not be without a club for long.

After the Gunners terminated his contract this summer, the versatile full-back is now a free agent and available to sign outside of the transfer window.

A career halted by injuries

Tomiyasu arrived at the Emirates in 2021 with huge promise after impressing at Bologna.

His technical ability and comfort across the back line made him an instant favourite under Mikel Arteta, particularly in the inverted full-back role. Yet, persistent injuries meant he was unable to establish himself as a consistent starter.

In four seasons, the 25-year-old managed just 84 appearances, a tally that underlines both his misfortune and Arsenal’s growing doubts. With the club reshaping their defence, the decision was made to part ways.

AC Milan among suitors

According to Football Italia, AC Milan are monitoring Tomiyasu’s situation, although no official offer has been tabled. He has also attracted interest from Serie A rivals, La Liga clubs, the Turkish Super League, and even other Premier League sides.

The main hesitation among potential buyers lies in his fitness record. Clubs want assurances that his injury troubles are behind him before committing.

Still, Tomiyasu’s profile—a strong defender who can play centrally or wide—makes him a tempting option for managers seeking depth and tactical flexibility.

A fresh start could revive Takehiro Tomiyasu career

A return to Serie A feels like the most natural step. Italy was where Tomiyasu first made his name, and Milan in particular could offer him both top-level football and a system that values technical full-backs. At just 25, he still has plenty of years ahead of him if he can stay healthy.

For Japan, his situation is also one to watch. The World Cup in the USA is only a year away, and regular minutes at club level will be vital if he wants to be at his best for the national team.

Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal might not have ended as he hoped, but his qualities are undeniable.

Now, it’s simply about finding the right environment to rebuild his career and show once again why he was once considered one of the most promising defenders in Europe.