---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs facing Takehiro Tomiyasu setback"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-spurs-facing-takehiro-tomiyasu-setback/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sean Clifford"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2021-08-31T10:40:30Z"
modified: "2021-08-31T10:40:30Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs facing Takehiro Tomiyasu setback

**Tottenham Hotspur have been jolted in their pursuit of Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, with one of their London rivals locked in talks to sign the 22-year-old, as relayed by David Ornstein on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1432632091624235009).**

### The Lowdown: ‘Dependable’ Tomiyasu has excelled in Italy

Producing an impressive level of consistency since moving to his current club in [2019](https://football-italia.net/official-bologna-sign-tomiyasu/), Tomiyasu has shown a dependability in both centre-back and right-back positions.

Adept at mopping up sticky situations at the back, the Japan international obtained a commendable average of 3.3 clearances per Serie A game last season \[[WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/377283/History/Takehiro-Tomiyasu)\].

Earning adulation for his performances, he was labelled a “very, very dependable player” by Italian football expert Conor Clancy earlier this month \[[Football FanCast](https://www.footballfancast.com/tottenham-hotspur-transfer-rumours/serie-a-expert-backs-defender-for-spurs-move-e186)\].

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### The Latest: Late twist in the tale as Arsenal look to strike

Tomiyasu’s form has seen Tottenham Hotspur register serious interest in his services this summer, even having a £15.5m bid rejected for the Japan international in early July \[[Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12346505/tottenham-transfer-news-15-5m-takehiro-tomiyasu-offer-knocked-back-by-bologna)\].

However, there could now be a sting in the tail. According to The Athletic journalist Ornstein on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1432632091624235009), Arsenal are said to be working on a deal to sign Tomiyasu before tonight’s transfer deadline.

In a surprise turn of events, the Gunners reportedly have ‘talks underway’ to sign the 6 foot 2 ace, although any movement may be dependent on positional departures at the club \[[The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/news/arsenal-working-on-a-deal-to-sign-tomiyasu-from-bologna/R4D3yuq3PdWL)\].

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### The Verdict: Royal arrival could soften Tomiyasu blow

Losing out on Tomiyasu may come as a source of frustration for Tottenham, but the seemingly imminent arrival of [Emerson Royal](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12395182/emerson-royal-tottenham-make-bid-for-barcelona-right-back) will help to soften the blow for Nuno Espirito Santo.

A regular for Bologna in 2020/21, the former Sint-Truiden defender featured 33 times in all competitions, scoring twice \[[Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/takehiro-tomiyasu/leistungsdaten/spieler/331560/plus/0?saison=2020)\].

Following that up with a strong showing at the Olympic Games with his native Japan, helping them to reach the semi-finals \[[Eurosport](https://www.eurosport.com/football/tokyo-2020/2021/tokyo-2020-spain-v-japan-men-s-football-semi-final-live_sto8469533/story.shtml)\], it is clear to see why Spurs wanted to secure his signature.

Nevertheless, with three senior right-backs on the books in N17, any notion of Tomiyasu pitching up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this window has probably run its course.

***In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another transfer blow. Find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-hotspur-lilywhites-face-adama-traore-blow/).***