Differences In The Fate Of The Japanese Duo In The Premier League: Arsenal Depak Tomiyasu And Buru Mitoma

JAKARTA - Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was expelled by Arsenal because of frequent injuries. However, Arsenal are hunting for another Japanese player, Mythoma, who skyrocketed at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Unfortunately, Tomiyasu was at Arsenal. He had skyrocketed and became Arsenal's pillar since being recruited from Bologna in 2021.

Even the last contract Arsenal extended was signed by Tomiyasu shortly after returning to Emirates after strengthening Japan in the 2024 Asian Cup.

Interestingly at that time, Tomiyasu was still grappling with injury. However, this 26-year-old defender got a new contract ending in 2026.

It's just that the knee and calf injuries that often beat him during his four years at Arsenal are an obstacle for him to show his maximum performance.

Moreover, the injury had made him sidelined for months to recover. Tomiyasu has also returned to rest since last February due to knee surgery.

The knee injury left him only playing for six minutes last season. That was Arsenal's consideration to terminate Tomiyasu's contract which has played 65 times in the English Premier League. The club did so after both sides agreed with the decision.

"It's a shame because of the injury, Tomi has had very few playing minutes over the last two seasons. As a defender, he only played once as a substitute last season," the club said in an official statement.

"We agreed to terminate Tomi's contract so he could start a new chapter in his career."

After releasing Tomiyasu, Arsenal targeted another Japanese player, Mitoma. The brilliant performance of the 28-year-old winger made Arsenal hunt him down.

Only, Arsenal are competing with Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr who are interested in bringing Mitoma. However, Arsenal did not immediately hunt down this Japanese national team player.

Because the Gunners prioritize Rodrygo's recruitment from Real Madrid. If he fails to sign Rodrygo, Arsenal will only make Mitoma an alternative recruitment.

The problem is, Mitoma, who last season scored 10 goals and made four assists in 36 Premier League games, was not interested in moving. He actually wants to stay at Brighton.

The manager of Fabian Hurzeler also doesn't want to let go of Mitoma, which is the mainstay of The Seagulls.

"Mitoma played very well last season. This could happen because he is at a club that plays as a team," Hurzeler said.

"I hope he joins soon. I believe he is an important part for us," he said. Bad signal for Arsenal who still want to have Japanese players in the squad.