Transfer deadline day: The ins and outs


Bellerin 2

Transfer deadline day: The ins and outs

By Oscar Maung-Haley

Another summer transfer window is in the books and while Arsenal didn’t quite go for the full 2011 experience (we’re still shuddering at the signing of Andre Santos…) it was quite a busy day at the Emirates.
Here’s a recap of all the ins and outs.

The Ins

Arsenal made just one signing on deadline day.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – signed from Bologna

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu joined the Gunners from Bologna on deadline day for a fee thought to be in the region of £16m.
A Japanese international, Tomiyasu is a versatile player, capable of operating at both the heart of defence and at right-back.
Given Hector Bellerin’s deadline day departure, it made sense to add someone who could cover right-back.
Additionally, Tomiyasu’s arrival would allow Arsenal to be more flexible in their attacking approach, with the 22-year-old being able to come inside to form a back three, freeing up Kieran Tierney to roam forward.
His signing could turn out to be an astute one too, although he will undoubtedly need time to bed in during a time where that might not be afforded to him…

The outs

Three players left the Emirates on deadline day, all heading out on loan.

Reiss Nelson – moved to Feyenoord

Winger Reiss Nelson moved to Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord for the 2021/22 campaign.
A move away from the Emirates always made sense for Nelson this summer.
The 21-year-old rarely featured last season for the Gunners, in part due to injury and falling behind in the pecking order out wide.
With plenty of players ahead of him Nelson, will need to get his head down and show his undoubted quality in the Eredivisie – a league he should be able to make serious headway in.
Playing well out in the Netherlands could lead to Arsenal making him part of their plans for next season or encourage prospective buyers to take a look.
His contract does run out in 2023, so Arsenal will need to make a decision whether to keep Nelson and extend his stay or move him on at the end of this season.

Hector Bellerin – moved to Real Betis

Bellerin

Arsenal’s most prominent deadline day exit however was long-standing first team right-back Hector Bellerin, who joined La Liga’s Real Betis.
Since his arrival at the Emirates in July 2011, the Spaniard has amassed 239 first team appearances for the Gunners.
He was a pivotal part of the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Arsenal sides that secured FA Cup glory, starting all three finals.
During the 2015-16 season, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Bellerin’s departure is a sad one for sure but perhaps the right one.
While there is no option to buy included in the deal, there is every chance that the 26-year-old has played his last game for Arsenal.

Alex Runarsson – moved to OH Leuven

Icelandic international Alex Runarsson has joined Belgian Pro League side OH Leuven.
With such a significant outlay being spent on Aaron Ramsdale, Runarsson’s Arsenal days seemed numbered.
A move to Belgium will give him regular minutes, but in the long-term, it also probably signals that his time at the Emirates is over.

PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

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