Tomiyasu Set for Venezia: Ex-Arsenal Defender Heads to Serie A on Free Transfer

FolioPitch.com – 16 July 2026 | Takehiro Tomiyasu is on the brink of a return to Italian football, with the Japanese international set to join Venezia as a free agent. The news of Tomiyasu set for Venezia as ex-Arsenal defender to move on free transfer has been confirmed by multiple sources, with the Lagunari acting swiftly to secure his signature. The 27-year-old, who previously impressed at Bologna before a move to Arsenal, is expected to sign a three-year contract worth around €1 million net per season plus appearance-based bonuses. This development could be finalized as early as this weekend, ending a period of uncertainty following his departure from the Gunners.

The story of Tomiyasu set for Venezia as ex-Arsenal defender to move on free transfer comes after a challenging period for the player. At Arsenal, injuries hampered his progress, limiting him to just 38 Premier League appearances over two and a half seasons. A brief loan spell at Ajax earlier this year saw him make seven appearances, but it was clear his future lay elsewhere. For Venezia, who are preparing for a Serie A campaign after promotion, the free transfer represents a shrewd piece of business. The need for defensive reinforcement was accelerated by a serious injury to Marin Sverko, who underwent hip surgery and will be sidelined for three to four months. Sverko’s absence left a gap in the backline, making the pursuit of Tomiyasu a priority.

Tomiyasu set for Venezia as ex-Arsenal defender to move on free transfer also signals a fresh start for the player. He knows Serie A well, having made 61 appearances for Bologna between 2019 and 2021, scoring three goals and providing three assists. His performances earned him a €19 million move to Arsenal in 2021, but persistent injuries, particularly to his knee and calf, prevented him from establishing himself as a regular. At the World Cup in Qatar, he showed glimpses of his quality, making three appearances for Japan. Now, with a move to Venezia, he has the chance to rebuild his career in a league where he feels comfortable.

Venezia’s decision to move for Tomiyasu was also influenced by their need for experience. The club, owned by US investors, has been active in the transfer market, aiming to solidify their squad for a top-flight return. The deal for Tomiyasu, given his pedigree and free-agent status, is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move. If he can stay fit, he will bring composure and versatility to the defense, capable of playing as a center-back or full-back. His international experience, with over 40 caps for Japan, adds further value. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Sassuolo also showed interest in recent days, but Venezia’s quick action secured the agreement.

The timeline of Tomiyasu set for Venezia as ex-Arsenal defender to move on free transfer highlights the urgency created by injuries elsewhere. Marin Sverko’s surgery was a significant blow, as the Croatian defender was expected to be a key figure. With his absence, Venezia had to act swiftly, and Tomiyasu emerged as the ideal candidate. The club’s sporting director, Filippo Antonelli, has been praised for his proactive approach. The 27-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days, and if all goes well, he will join Venezia’s training camp shortly.

For Tomiyasu, this move represents a chance to prove his doubters wrong. His time at Arsenal was marred by fitness issues, but his underlying quality has never been questioned. At Venezia, he will be under less pressure than at the Emirates, and he can focus on playing regular football. The club’s fans will be hoping that Tomiyasu can recapture the form that made him one of Serie A’s most promising defenders before his move to England. With the deal almost done, both parties are optimistic about the future.

In conclusion, Tomiyasu set for Venezia as ex-Arsenal defender to move on free transfer is a move that benefits all involved. Venezia address a critical defensive need with a proven player, while Tomiyasu gets a fresh start in a familiar league. Whether this turns out to be a successful chapter remains to be seen, but the early signs are positive. As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the official announcement, which could come at any moment.