Arsenal to spring a surprise? Gunners open to letting Takehiro Tomiyasu leave on loan as Napoli circle

Arsenal are open to letting defender Takehiro Tomiyasu leave in January, with Napoli interested in a potential loan move.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Napoli want to strengthen defence
• Tomiyasu emerges as target
• Arsenal could be open to loan deal

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tomiyasu has emerged as a transfer target for Serie A champions Napoli ahead of the January transfer window. The Italian club are keen to strengthen their backline after losing Natan to injury. Tomiyasu is one of several options that Napoli are considering, according to . Arsenal are said to be willing to allow the 25-year-old to leave on loan this winter.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal allowing Tomiyasu to move would come as something of a surprise. The versatile defender had been in impressive form until being ruled out through injury at the start of the month. Napoli do have other targets in mind, according to the report, with Arsenal team-mate Jakub Kiwior, Sparta Prague’s Martin Vitik, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Genoa's Radu Dragusin also on the club's radar.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After winning the league last season, Napoli have picked up just 28 points in the current Serie A campaign. The team have only gained fewer points after 18 matches in two of the last 16 seasons since returning to the Italian top flight in 2007-08.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR TOMIYASU?

  Tomiyasu remains on Arsenal's injury list but could return for the team's FA Cup third-round clash with Liverpool on January 7. The defender is then due to link up with the Japan national team for Asian Cup.