Former Takehiro Tomiyasu is considering a return to Serie A with Sassuolo and Venezia both interested in signing the free agent, according to Football Italia.
The 27-year-old defender is currently without a club after leaving Arsenal earlier this summer, and a return to Italy — where he previously excelled with Bologna — appears to be on the cards.
Tomiyasu's Serie A Pedigree
Tomiyasu spent two seasons at Bologna before his move to Arsenal in 2021, making 61 appearances and establishing himself as one of the most versatile defenders in Serie A. Comfortable at right-back, centre-back and left-back, his tactical flexibility and strong one-on-one defending caught the eye of the Gunners.
At Arsenal, however, injuries limited his impact. He managed 73 appearances over four seasons, with persistent knee and calf problems undermining his ability to hold down a regular starting spot. Now fully fit and available on a free transfer, Tomiyasu represents an attractive, low-risk option for clubs seeking defensive reinforcements.
Sassuolo's Defensive Rebuild
Sassuolo are in the midst of reshaping their backline under manager Fabio Grosso, having already sold defender Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United for £34.1m. The club are reportedly keen to add experience and tactical discipline, and Tomiyasu's ability to operate across the backline fits the bill perfectly.
Venezia's Ambitious Project
Venezia, returning to Serie A after securing promotion, are also looking to bolster their squad with proven top-flight talent. The lagoon club have been active in the market and see Tomiyasu as a marquee signing who can provide leadership and defensive stability.
While no agreement has been reached, Tomiyasu is open to a return to Italy and both clubs are expected to hold talks with his representatives in the coming days. The Japan international, who has 42 caps for his country, will be keen to secure regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, making a move to either Sassuolo or Venezia an appealing next step.
