Fabrizio Romano reveals Mikel Arteta's role in keeping Arsenal star at the club despite interest from European giants in the summer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played a crucial role in blocking Takehiro Tomiyasu's potential summer exit to Inter Milan, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Earlier this August, Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera reported that Inter Milan were interested in luring Tomiyasu away from the Emirates. The Serie A outfit were preparing a £17 million formal bid as well.

However, the Japanese ended up staying at the north London outfit in the end. He has made 11 appearances across all competitions for his team since then, starting four in the process. Most recently, the 24-year-old earned plaudits for his standout performance in the Gunners' recent 2-1 UEFA Champions League Group B win at Sevilla.

In his Caught Offside column, Romano claimed that Arsenal's top brass are happy with the ex-Bologna man's recent outings. He wrote:

"Takehiro Tomiyasu is another player earning praise for his recent performances and although I don't currently have any information on the possibility of a new contract soon, Arsenal are very happy with his performances."

Shedding light on Inter Milan's interest in the full-back, Romano added:

"I can also reveal that Inter Milan wanted Tomiyasu in July but Arsenal said no; Mikel Arteta and Edu wanted to keep him and it was clearly a successful decision, he's really appreciated at the club and is really showing his value and versatility at the moment."

Tomiyasu, who arrived from Bologna in a deal worth up to £20 million in 2021, has made 64 appearances for his current club so far. He is expected to start his team's Premier League home encounter against newly promoted side Sheffield United on Saturday, October 28.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta comments on why he roped in Kai Havertz from Chelsea

Ahead of his team's recent 2-1 win at Sevilla, Mikel Arteta was asked whether Kai Havertz's UEFA Champions League experience was one of the reasons behind his signing. He replied (h/t football.london):

"Well, that's certainly one of the reasons why we signed him. His quality and the number of things he's done already in his career as well. And then, also to improve the starting XI."

Havertz, who graduated from Bayer Leverkusen's youth system, has featured in 42 UEFA Champions League games so far. He has scored six goals, most notably the winner in the 2020-21 final between Chelsea and Manchester City, and contributed two assists so far.

Since arriving in a potential £65 million move from Chelsea in the summer, the 24-year-old has struggled to make himself feel at home in his early stages at Arsenal. He has scored one goal and contributed as many assist in 14 appearances for his new club this campaign.