Ex-Arsenal star lined up for Premier League return as Gunners' new contract tactic revealed

Takehiro Tomiyasu could head back to the Premier League (Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Takehiro Tomiyasu could be on his way back to the Premier League. The Japan international, still only 26, is a free agent after leaving Arsenal in the summer when the Gunners mutually agreed to terminate his contract because of a knee injury.

It was a real shame for Tomiyasu, who had earned rave reviews during the first half of his spell at the Emirates Stadium. after arriving from Italian side Bologna. But Arsenal are now strong across their backline, particularly in Tomiyasu's best position of right-back, with Jurrien Timber and Ben White both in place, and allowed him to leave.

Now Premier League clubs are keen on the potential of a bargain, if he can prove his fitness. Brighton have been linked with the versatile defender - who can play across the back - having enjoyed his time in English football.

AC Milan are also watching developments with Tomiyasu who is keen to get playing regularly ahead of the World Cup next summer.

Meanwhile, at the Emirates, Arsenal have finally come up with a plan to tie down their biggest stars to their peak years.

The Gunners managed to get William Saliba to commit himself to the club, with the France international inking a five-year deal. That was seen as a major coup because Real Madrid had been monitoring Saliba's situation.

Next on the docket for Arsenal is getting Bukayo Saka to sign a new long-term deal. It would make the vice-captain one of the club's highest earners.

Bukayo Saka is expected to sign a new deal very soon (Image: Getty Images)

Interestingly, Arsenal have been happy to allow both players to enter the final two years of their current deals, believing that they remain in a position of strength thanks to a very deliberate tactic of sporting director Andrea Berta.

He signed defender Cristhian Mosquera this summer, happy that if Saliba said no to a new deal, Arsenal would get big money for him and his replacement is already in place. It's a similar attitude with Saka and another new arrival, Noni Madueke.

Yet, with Saka's talks having gone well, he looks set to follow Saliba's lead and sign a new deal.