‘The club is working hard’: Arteta says £15.5m ace with ‘different qualities’ could miss PL clash

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has stated that Takehiro Tomiyasu could miss out on this weekend’s Premier League clash for Arsenal due to a work permit.

Speaking to the press via Football London ahead of Saturday’s huge match against Norwich City, the Gunners boss revealed that the Japanese international still can’t legally play in England. Tomiyasu was a deadline day signing for Arsenal from Bologna.

The 22-year-old defender will likely qualify for a work permit. However, Tomiyasu has until midday Friday to register with Arsenal before facing off against the Canaries in two days.

Arteta said on the matter: “We need a work permit first. The club is working hard to try and achieve that in the next couple of hours.”

Indeed, it will be a race against time for Arsenal to register Tomiyasu before tomorrow’s deadline. Yet Arteta is excited to see how the £15.5m defender does for the north London side.

The Gunners manager later added: “Tomiyasu has the ability to pay anywhere in a back four. He gives us different qualities in that right back position. He brings qualities that we didn’t have in the squad.”

With Arsenal desperate for points, Tomiyasu could aid in improving a defence that has conceded nine goals in three games in the Premier League this campaign. And having the Japanese star in the team to face Norwich will be huge for the Gunners.