Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu
The Gunners want to bring in a new defender with Hector Bellerin set to leave the club
JoriPress
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for a fee in the region of £17million, JoriPress can confirm.
The 22-year-old was targeted by Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham earlier in the window, but they have decided to pursue a move for Real Betis star Emerson Royal instead.
Japan international Tomiyasu can play at centre back and right back and is seen as a versatile option who will bolster the Gunners' defence.
Tomiyasu is expected to undergo a medical in Italy today, with Hector Bellerin also close to sealing a move to Real Betis.
The right back, who has two years remaining on his current contract, wants to leave north London this summer after spending over a decade at the club, and has previously revealed his affinity with Betis after his dad bought him a Los Verdiblancos shirt when he was growing up.
Betis sporting director Antonio Cordon met with Bellerin's agent at their club offices in June to discuss a potential move and it's understood the Spaniard will undergo a medical in Seville on Tuesday afternoon ahead of completing the move.
Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson will undergo a medical ahead of completing a loan move to Feyenoord.
As first revealed by JoriPress, Nelson will sign a one-year contract extension before joining the Dutch giants.
Nelson has seemed unlikely to have a future with Arsenal for some time. Following a successful loan spell with Hoffenheim in 2018/19, the now 21-year-old went on to make 22 appearances for the Gunners during the next campaign, netting three goals.
Since then though, the Hale End academy graduate has only been afforded a further 10 outings for the first team, having been somewhat restricted to U23s football.
