Arsenal are interested in signing Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, according to Il Resto Del Carlino.
The Italian news outlet claims that the Gunners are “on the trial” of the 22-year-old and “continue to monitor” the player, along with West Ham and Everton.
However, Tottenham are the team who have progressed negotiations the furthest by making a formal bid. Bologna reportedly turned down a €20m (£17m) offer for Tomiyasu from Spurs, with the Serie A club demanding a higher fee.
The Japanese international is a versatile defender. He can play as a center-back, right-back and as a holding midfielder, with the majority of his game time coming in the middle of defence.
Considering Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Brighton’s Ben White, it seems very unlikely that manager Mikel Arteta would be after another centre-half so Tomiyasu could well be an option to replace Hector Bellerin at right-back.