Arteta warns fans Arsenal project will 'take some time'
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be adding versatility to his squad in the form of Takehiro Tomiyasu. Arsenal have agreed an initial fee of £17million with Bologna to sign Tomiyasu. The player will undergo a medical in Italy this afternoon ahead of signing for the Gunners before tonight's 11pm transfer deadline.
Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta will add versatility to his squad with Takehiro Tomiyasu (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal have played with four at the back in three of their first four games in all competitions this season.
That seems to be the preferred method for Arteta after ditching the three-at-the-back setup early into last season.
Tomiyasu could slot straight into the right-back slot which has been occupied by either Cedric Soares or Calum Chambers so far this term.
Arteta will be hopeful of having his first-choice centre-back pairing of Ben White and Gabriel available after the international break following illness and injury respectively.
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Arteta played with three at the back last Saturday against Manchester City, though saw his side crash to a 5-0 defeat at the Etihad.
Tomiyasu could slot into the right of the back three, with White and Gabriel alongside him.
That would allow Tierney to play as the left wing-back, though Cedric would most likely be the only option to fulfil that role on the right unless Ainsley Maitland-Niles stays.
Tomiyasu will, you would think, predominantly be used as a right-back after Arsenal's many problems in that position.
But having the option to change the way you play for different opposition is always a bonus, and he provides that versatility.