Arsenal could be set for a significant transfer windfall in the January transfer window thanks to Takehiro Tomiyasu performing in a new role under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have enjoyed a sensational start to the new season and currently sit top of both the Premier League and their Europa League group. Tomiyasu missed the majority of pre-season through injury and has been playing catch up ever since, having lost his starting spot in the team to Ben White.
Arteta has shuffled the pack in defence following the return of William Saliba, the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney's recovery from injury. Nuno Tavares was allowed to leave the club on a season-long loan deal and has impressed during his time at Marseille so far this season, but it looks as though the Portuguese defender could be a fourth-choice left-back upon his return next summer.
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Tomiyasu has been deployed as a left-back in his previous two appearances for Arsenal and has looked assured at the back after shutting down Mohamed Salah in the 3-2 win against Liverpool on Sunday. The Japanese defender has stated his intentions to reclaim a starting spot in the first team at the Emirates Stadium, admitting he is 'not satisfied' with his performances and wants to improve further.
Tomiyasu's versatility could see the Gunners benefit from a significant transfer windfall in January should the club look to move on Tavares, who continues to shine out on loan for Marseille. The 22-year-old has opened up on his future and hinted at a potential exit from the north London outfit, admitting he is 'happy' in France.
Speaking to La Provence via The Metro, Tavares said: "I feel good here, and it shows in the matches. On top of that, Marseille feels very similar to Lisbon: the streets, the city, the climate, and the sun.
"When signing with OM [Marseille], I wanted to have an option to buy, but Arsenal refused. With my agents, we always wanted this purchase option, but Arsenal didn't. Now I'm at OM, and with or without an option, I'm happy."
His comments may lead to the Gunners looking to move the left-back on in the upcoming transfer windows knowing that they have adequate cover in Tomiyasu, along with Zinchenko and Tierney as well. With Cedric Soares returning from injury, Arteta now has plenty of depth and options in defence should potential injuries hamper his squad, and the funds provided from Tavares' sale could be reinvested into other areas such as central midfield or attack.
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