LONDON -- After successfully reaching a transfer agreement, Arsenal immediately determined the jersey number that Takehiro Tomiyasu would wear this season. The 22-year-old becomes the Gunners' sixth signing on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window.

Arsenal paid 19.75 million pounds for the signature of the Japanese player. The Gunners also gave the number 18 back to the former Bologna player. While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still wears the number 14 he chose.

"Takehiro is a strong defender with experience both in Serie A (Italy) and at international level," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said, as reported by Tribalfootball , Wednesday (1/9).

Arteta believes that Tomiyasu has an above average defensive ability with technical quality and the ability to carry the ball. This is considered enough to make the Gunners' game more attractive when launching a counter-attack.

Currently, Tomiyasu is focusing on defending the Japanese national team during the international break. After that, he reportedly immediately flew to London to sign a work contract in his new team.

"He will be an important member of our squad. We are optimistic for Takehiro (Tomiyasu) to join us soon after the international break," explained Arteta.