Arsenal is close to extending the contract of a key defender

Arsenal is on the verge of extending the contract of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, as reported by insider Fabrizio Romano.

It's noted that the parties are close to finalizing the deal, and the Japanese international will see a significant boost in his salary. The club has complete faith in the services of this versatile defender, despite rumors suggesting his potential departure from London.

Tomiyasu moved to Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 for around 19 million euros. This season, the defender has appeared in 20 matches under Mikel Arteta, scoring one goal and providing three assists. His current agreement with the club is set to expire in June 2025.

Earlier reports suggested that Arsenal might recall left-back Kieran Tierney prematurely due to Оlexander Zinchenko's injury.

Arsenal has gone winless in the Premier League for three consecutive matches. As the new year began, Arteta's team occupied fourth place in the Premier League standings. On January 7th, the Gunners will face Liverpool in the FA Cup.