Arsenal star Tomiyasu is doubling his money as he signs a new two-year contract
TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU has signed a new two-year contract with Arsenal – with an option for a further 12 months.
The 25-year-old Gunners defender has become the latest north London player to commit his future to the club and has doubled his salary in the process.
The Japan international, who was signed from Bologna in the summer of 2021 on a four-year contract for around £17million and has made 73 appearances so far, admits playing for Arsenal is “a dream”.
And with a potential Premier League and Champions League double on the horizon, Tomiyasu is looking forward to a successful end to the campaign.
He said: “Arsenal are one of the best clubs in the world. And it’s a dream to play for this club, so I’m happy.
“I play for Arsenal and this means I play for Arsenal supporters. That is why I dedicate my life to this club and to its supporters. I want to give them something back.
“When I joined Arsenal we were not playing in European competitions. But now we are playing in the Champions League and we are in the title race. We have improved a lot.
“Now I want to achieve something. I want to win something with my teammates, with the supporters.”
Boss Arteta said: “We are so happy that Tomi is entrusting his future to us. Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi’s attitude, mentality and values are first class.
“Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the team since he joined us. The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day, is admirable. We look forward to continuing to work with Tomi in the years to come.”
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And sporting director Edu added: “We are very happy that Tomi will be with us for many years to come.
“He has enormous qualities, both on and off the pitch, and offers so much strength and versatility to our squad. Tomi is a top professional and it is great that he will continue to play an important role in achieving our goals in the coming years.”
Tomiyasu joins the likes of Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba who have committed in the past 18 months.
Arteta believes he has built a squad with a core of young talent who can challenge for major trophies in the coming years, with Tomiyasu a big part of that, both on and off the pitch.
After struggling with injuries this season, Tomiyasu – who can play at either side as a wing-back – is currently battling for a starting spot with the likes of White, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and the returning Jurrien Timber.
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