Arsenal transfer news: Takehiro Tomiyasu joins, Hector Bellerin loaned to Real Betis

3 years ago 29
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Takehiro TomiyasuJapan international Tomiyasu can play either right-back or centre-back

Arsenal have signed Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, after right-back Hector Bellerin joined Spanish side Real Betis on loan.

The Gunners have also allowed winger Reiss Nelson to complete a season-long loan move to Dutch side Feyenoord.

Tomiyasu, 22, who can play at either centre-back or right-back, has signed a long-term contract with Arsenal.

He made 31 Serie A appearances last season but has featured just once for Bologna this campaign.

Manager Mikel Arteta said: "Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level.

"He is a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad."

Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares have started at right-back in the north London club's three league games this season, all of which have ended in defeat.

Bellerin has not been a regular starter for the Gunners since suffering a serious knee injury in 2019 but made 25 Premier League appearances last season.

The 26-year-old Spain international, signed from Barcelona's academy in 2011, has yet to feature for the club in this campaign and has two years left on his current contract.

Hector BellerinBellerin joined Arsenal from Barcelona's youth academy in 2011

Winger Nelson, 21, has played 48 times for Arsenal, scoring four goals.

The England Under-21 international spent 2018-19 on loan at Hoffenheim in Germany.

"I'm looking forward to playing in this beautiful stadium," said Nelson. "Feyenoord is a wonderful club and a great challenge for me. I hope I can get the fans cheering soon."

Arsenal have recruited heavily this summer with buys such as centre-back Ben White for £50m, midfielder Martin Odegaard for £30m and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for an initial £24m.

Maitland-Niles staying at Arsenal

Meanwhile, Ainsley Maitland-Niles will stay at Arsenal following clear-the-air talks with manager Mikel Arteta.

The England international thought he was going to join Everton on loan before the transfer window closed.

However, Arsenal refused to sanction the move which triggered a social media post from Maitland-Niles, saying 'he just wanted to play'.

It is understood the 24-year-old spoke to Arteta about his frustrations on Tuesday afternoon.

The talks went well and Maitland-Niles will now remain at Arsenal.

He has made two appearances for the club this season, coming on as a substitute in Saturday's 5-0 defeat at Manchester City.

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