Mikel Arteta’s new role for Takehiro Tomiyasu could prove to generate a handsome amount of money in the upcoming transfer windows. The Japanese international was tasked with playing at left-back against Liverpool.
And the natural right-back was sensational as he was able to keep Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah quiet throughout the match. It showed that in the long term, Tomiyasu could be the third left-back option for Arsenal.
With the Gunners already having two recognised players in this position, it means that Nuno Tavares can be used as an asset rather than a squad player for the future. It is due to this that Arsenal can generate funds from the Portuguese international, especially after his impressive start to life at Marseille on loan.
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Despite Oleksandr Zinchenko starting at left-back in Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Spurs, he has been absent for the Gunners' last two fixtures against FK Bodo/Glimt and Liverpool due to a calf injury. Zinchenko had featured in every Premier League match for the Gunners since making the transfer switch from Manchester City until he was ruled out with an injury against Fulham in Arsenal's fourth game of the season.
But in Zinchenko's absence, Tierney has slotted into the left-back role and has proven to be a more than a useful alternative as the Gunners sit at the top of the Premier League, which Tierney has had a major part to play in.
With more than enough options in this area on the pitch, it means that Arsenal can look to sell Tavares and gain profit after only signing him for £7million in the 2021 summer transfer window.
Tavares recently opened up about his loan move to Marseille and revealed that he wanted an option to join them permanently at the end of his loan spell with the Ligue 1 outfit, but the Gunners refused, as per the Evening Standard.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Tavares said: "At Arsenal, I do not know if it was a problem of competition with Kieran Tierney, but for me, that's not even the point.
"I came to Marseille to finally be able to play in my position. When signing with OM, I wanted to have an option to buy, but Arsenal refused. With my agents, we always wanted this purchase option, but Arsenal didn't.
"Now I'm at OM, and with or without an option, I'm happy. At Arsenal, I would have probably only played in the [FA Cup and EFL Cup]."
Both Brighton and Atalanta had been credited with admiration for Tavares in the summer, and according to Gazzetta Dello Sport via Sport Witness, Gian Piero Gasperini's side had entered discussions with Arsenal.
The Gunners were said to have valued Tavares at more than three times what they bought him for. A €30million (£25.5million) valuation has been set on the full-back, and the club prefer a dry loan if he is to leave only temporarily, which is why he ended up at Marseille.
With Arsenal demanding more than £20million for his services, these demands are likely to be met in the summer if Tavares continues to pick up player of the month awards with Marseille. Considering the Gunners now have three options in the left-back position, which makes Tavares surplus to requirements.
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