Bayern Munich were interested in signing Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu during the summer transfer window, according to German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg. The Bundesliga giants are said to be keen on Tomiyasu due to his versatility, although a January move is claimed to be unrealistic due to the player's participation in the Asian Cup with Japan.

Thomas Tuchel's side will reportedly continue to monitor the 25-year-old ahead of next summer, though. Tomiyasu, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2021 for a fee of £16milliom, has enjoyed a stellar start to the 2023/24 season with the Gunners.

The former Bologna man has been utilised at left-back, right-back and even in central defence so far this term, helping the north Londoners concede the joint-least amount of goals in the Premier League. It would certainly be surprising if Arsenal were willing to part ways with the commanding defender and if Arteta's recent comments on the player are anything to go by, he wants to keep Tomiyasu at the club.

"I always said that I’m really confident that the moment Tomi has consistency, he’s going to be a tremendous asset for us," the Spaniard said of Tomiyasu back in September. "He already is.

"He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline, we don’t have another player like him. At defending, he’s probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations.

"His concepts, his principles, the way he applies that, the way he goes into duels…now he needs a run of games so that physically he’s at his best. If physically, Tomi is at his best, we’re going to have a player that is so important for us."

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When asked what are the Japan international's best qualities, Arteta added: "Especially the way he reads danger. The way he resolves urgent situations with a lot of composure in the right way.

"His skill to defend, the way his body is built, it makes him a really complete player to do that. It’s really difficult to run past him. He’s always alert.

"It’s the way he’s been raised and educated. He’s always super focused and for a defender that’s a big, big attribute."