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ARSENAL have confirmed the highly-anticipated £20million signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.
The Japan international, 22, had been on the Gunners’ transfer wish list all summer.
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And Mikel Arteta moved at the last moment to pull off a stunning deadline day deal.
Tomiyasu, who will wear the No18 shirt, is a versatile defender who can play in the centre and on the right and in a back three or back four.
However, it is expected he will become Arsenal’s new right-back after Hector Bellerin was loaned out to Real Betis.
Tomiyasu was also a target for north London rivals Tottenham.
But they instead decided to move for £26m Barcelona full-back Emerson Royal.
Speaking to Arsenal’s website, Director of Football Edu beamed: “We’re delighted to have signed Takehiro.
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“We’ve been watching him for a while now and we’re pleased that we have reached an agreement with Bologna. He is an important addition to our squad.”
Boss Arteta added: Arteta added: “Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level.
“He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad.
“We look forward to Takehiro joining up with us when he returns from international duty.”
Tomiyasu joined Bologna in 2019 from Belgian side Sint-Truiden for £7.5million.
And he made 64 appearances for the Italians, helping them to a 12th place finish in last season’s Serie A.
Arsenal have now made six signings this summer, spending around £150million.
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With Tomiyasu, there is virtually a new backline after the additions of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, centre-back Ben White and left-back Nuno Tavares.
Midfielders Albert Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard were also drafted in.
But despite splashing the cash, Arsenal have got off to an abysmal start in the Premier League by losing their first three games while failing to score a single goal.
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
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