Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu Facing Potential Long-Term Sideline, Injury Concerns Extend until Christmas

Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu Facing Potential Long-Term Sideline, Injury Concerns Extend until Christmas

Following Arsenal’s newest injury news, Mikel Arteta may need to reevaluate his transfer plans.

As he prepares for a hectic Champions League schedule next season, the Spaniard is reported to be focusing on adding two central midfielders and a full-back to his ranks this summer.

Typical center-back Ben White has had to fill in at right-back for the injured Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been out since March with a knee injury.

However, according to The Telegraph, the Japan international could be out until Christmas after undergoing surgery.

As a result, Arteta may be obliged to enter the summer transfer market in order to find cover at full-back, with a number of players linked with a move to the Emirates.

What kind of defenders could Arsenal sign?

Cancelo is reportedly on Arteta’s radar, with the 28-year-old’s future uncertain.

The Portugal international was loaned to Bayern Munich in January, but he will return to Manchester City at the conclusion of the season after failing to impress Thomas Tuchel.

Arsenal are apparently interested in signing him, with Arteta, who previously worked with Cancelo at the Etihad, mulling a move for the defender.

It’s unclear whether Pep Guardiola still has aspirations for Cancelo in Manchester, where Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are ahead of him in the pecking order.

While Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda has impressed in La Liga this season, the Gunners have also been linked with him.

The north London club were extensively connected with a January move for the 18-year-old, but he elected to remain with the Spanish club.

He did, however, reassure fans when he mentioned Arsenal’s interest in March.

“It’s a source of pride [Arsenal, Newcastle, Dortmund links], but I always say it: I’m also in a big team, Valladolid,” Fresneda told Spanish publication AS.

“My head only thinks about my teams. And these days, also in the Seleccion [Spain national U19 team].”