In a recent report, Cuorirosso Blu stated that West Ham United are set to rival Arsenal for Bologna centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer. It is understood that the Hammers are keeping tabs on the Japan international as David Moyes looks to strengthen his defensive department before the new Premier League gets underway later this month (via Cuorirosso Blu).
Tomiyasu’s Solid Season In Italian Football
Tomiyasu had an impressive campaign at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara after he put in a series of commanding displays at the centre of the Bologna backline. The 22-year-old found the back of the net twice and secured four yellow cards in 33 appearances for the Italian side last season in all competitions.
The Japanese sensation was a consistent performer inside his half as he averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.3 clearances, 0.5 shots and 0.5 dribbles per game in Serie A. He also distributed the ball relatively well from the back based on his pass success rate of 82.1% in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Tomiyasu is playing some of the best football of his football career at the moment, so he could be a shrewd signing for the Hammers if they can get him on board in this summer transfer window. At 22, the Bologna defensive ace is in for a promising future in European football which makes him a good long-term option for West Ham to consider in this off-season.
What Will Tomiyasu Add To David Moyes’ Team?
Tomiyasu is a tough-tackling defender who can time his challenges well to earn the ball back on the defensive end of the pitch. He can use his strong 1.88m frame to dominate the opposition in the air and doesn’t take too many risks when putting his foot through the ball at the back. The 23-time Japan international is primarily a centre-half but can also function as a full-back on either flank if required.
Tomiyasu will be a good fit for a club like West Ham as they need a stronger backline to challenge for a top-six place in the Premier League next season. The Bologna youngster fits the bill perfectly as he will add plenty of bite and steel to the East London club’s backline.
The Fukuoka-born talent will offer some healthy competition for Issa Diop, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna in the race to secure a regular starting spot in Moyes’ first XI over the next few seasons. Therefore, the Hammers should think about orchestrating a move to bring Tomiyasu to the London Stadium this summer because he will enhance the quality of their match-day squad considerably in the long run.
