Takehiro Tomiyasu during an Arsenal training session
Takehiro Tomiyasu could leave the club in January (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal are preparing for a battle to keep Takehiro Tomiyasu and have set their asking price amid interest for the defender.

Arsenal’s solid start to the new Premier League season has been predicated on their impregnable defence, with Mikel Arteta’s side conceding just one goal in their first four games.

The Gunners boosted their defensive options further in the summer window with the £42million signing of Riccardo Calafiori, although the Italian is yet to make his first start for the club.

Tomiyasu, however, has not been seen in Arteta’s back four so far this season as he continues his rehabilitation on a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

Despite that, the Japanese full-back is attracting interesting from three Italian clubs who are all plotting a move for once the transfer window reopens in January.

According to the Sun, the Gunners have slapped a £25m price tag on the 25-year-old, with Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus set to test the club’s resolve.

Inter are said to be the club leading the race at this early stage.

Takehiro Tomiyasu playing for Arsenal
Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up a knee injury in pre-season (Picture: Getty)

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Serie A side Bologna in August 2021 and has gone on to make 83 appearances for the club.

However, he has suffered with regular injuries in recent seasons, missing a large chunk of game time with knee and calf issues.

Tomiyasu may not be the only full-back leaving the club in January, with Kieran Tiernay still facing an uncertain future at the Emirates.

The Scot spent last season on loan at Spanish side Real Sociedad and is seemingly not in Arteta’s immediate first-team plans.

The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during the summer’s European Championship but is now returning to fitness.

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