Arsenal have signed defender Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna in a £19.8m deal while Hector Bellerin has joined Real Betis on loan for the season.
Tomiyasu – who will wear the No 18 shirt at the Emirates – underwent a medical in Italy on Tuesday and has signed a four-year deal, with the option of a fifth.
The 22-year-old Japan international can play at both centre-back and right-back and had attracted interest from Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham earlier in the transfer window.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told the club’s website: “Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Paul Merson questions the recruitment strategy at Arsenal – and volunteers his services to the club!
“He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad.
“We look forward to Takehiro joining up with us when he returns from international duty.”
The Gunners’ technical director Edu added: “We’re delighted to have signed Takehiro. We’ve been watching him for a while now and we’re pleased that we have reached an agreement with Bologna.
“He is an important addition to our squad.”
Arsenal had also been keen on signing Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, but the 22-year-old’s preference was to move to Spurs.
Tomiyasu’s arrival helps to fill the gap left by Hector Bellerin, who has joined Real Betis on loan until the end of the season.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Transfer Show’s Dharmesh Sheth reports that Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be staying at Arsenal, after talks were held following the player’s post on Instagram suggesting that he wanted a move
The Spain international had been at Arsenal since signing from Barcelona in 2011, but Arteta has preferred Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers at right-back so far this season.
The Gunners can also call on Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the position, after it was confirmed he would stay at the club this summer following clear-the-air talks with Arteta.
