Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has left the club after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, BBC Sport has confirmed.
The Japan international, who is currently sidelined following knee surgery in February, played just six minutes of competitive football last season. His recovery is expected to keep him out of action for up to five more months.
Tomiyasu, 26, had struggled with injuries throughout the past year, having also missed the start of last season due to a separate knee issue which also required surgery in 2023.
His contract was initially set to run until the end of the 2025–26 season. However, both parties have now agreed to an early settlement, bringing the defender’s three-year spell in North London to a close.
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Serie A side Bologna in 2021 and made 79 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners. Known for his versatility and work ethic, the full-back had become a dependable option when fit, operating across the back line.
Arsenal have already begun their search for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Valencia’s highly rated centre-back Cristhian Mosquera on their radar.
Kieran Tierney has returned to Celtic, while Oleksandr Zinchenko may also be on the move before the summer transfer deadline on Monday, 1 September.
Tomiyasu’s departure marks another significant step in Mikel Arteta’s summer reshuffle as Arsenal look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.