Takehiro Tomiyasu departs Arsenal with immediate effect following mutual contract termination.

The decision for Takehiro Tomiyasu to leave Arsenal through mutual contract termination was influenced by several important factors, with his recurrent injury struggles being the most significant reason. Since joining Arsenal in 2021, Tomiyasu quickly became a fan favorite for his versatility, calmness on the ball, and defensive discipline. However, despite his talent, his time at Arsenal was overshadowed by persistent fitness issues. Over four seasons, he suffered multiple injuries—most notably severe knee problems—that continuously disrupted his ability to contribute consistently to the team.

In the 2024/2025 season, his situation became even more concerning. After making just a brief appearance at the beginning of the campaign, Tomiyasu was once again sidelined with a major knee injury that required surgery. Recovery estimates indicated that he would need at least five more months before returning to full training, meaning he would miss almost the entire season. With his contract set to expire in 2026 and only limited playing time ahead, it made little sense for Arsenal to carry the financial burden of his wages when they could instead use those resources to strengthen the squad with fully fit players.

Additionally, from a football business perspective, keeping an injury-prone player on the payroll, especially when his chances of returning to top form are uncertain, can be seen as poor resource management. Arsenal’s decision to part ways with Tomiyasu now allows them to free up salary space and potentially bring in new defensive options who can contribute immediately to Mikel Arteta’s tactical plans.

For Tomiyasu, the mutual termination provides him the freedom to focus on his rehabilitation without the pressure of club expectations. He can now seek opportunities elsewhere when he regains fitness, possibly in an environment that better suits his physical recovery timeline. Ultimately, this decision is a respectful and compassionate conclusion to a professional relationship that simply couldn’t continue as intended due to unfortunate circumstances.