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Arsenal told to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu alternative after £40m update - pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Arsenal should look to sign Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters to provide an alternative to defensive-minded star Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed a deal for the 25-year-old would give Mikel Arteta’s squad “healthy competition for places”.
According to The Sun (16 July), Southampton have slapped a £40million price tag on Walker-Peters – who is wanted by Everton, Arsenal, and Man United.
The England international’s current deal expires in June 2025 – and Tottenham reportedly hold the option to re-sign him for £30million.
Walker-Peters registered two goals and four assists in 37 appearances across all competitions last term – including 23 outings at left-back.
Whelan suggested the former Spurs man would be well suited to Mikel Arteta’s system.
“Arteta likes his wing-backs to be nice and high, full of energy – that’s what he wants,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Walker-Peters would certainly add that – down the left or the right-hand side.
“He’s got loads of pace and he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet in a number of positions.
“Tomiyasu, for me, is one of the better defenders in the league. I’ve not seen many skin him or beat him one-on-one – but Walker-Peters would be a very different option going forward.
“He’s had his problems with injuries too, so bringing in another player would really give that squad some healthy competition for places.”
Arsenal have completed deals for Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos so far this summer.
Tomiyasu’s current competition at right-back comes from Cedric Soares and wantaway defender Hector Bellerin.
In other news, pundit issues “massive” Oleksandr Zinchenko claim as Arsenal reach £30m agreement.