Earlier on in the transfer window, there was talk that Arsenal could end up feeling some pressure to sell a defender, whether it be Jakub Kiwior or Takehiro Tomiyasu.
However, the Gunners have stood firm, refusing to allow anyone to leave in that department, which has forced managers and clubs to look elsewhere.
One of those, according to Corriere dello Sport, was Walter Mazzarri, who wanted Arsenal’s Japan international in the current transfer window.
So much so, in fact, that he ‘circled in red’ his name, only to be told that wouldn’t be possible, leading him to move on to Alessandro Buongiorno at Torino.
Il Mio Napoli cover this on their website, and add that Arsenal have even declared the defender ‘non-transferable’ for the January transfer window.
Therefore, it appears Mikel Arteta will continue with the same personnel in his backline for the rest of the season, after which some decisions will likely be made, depending on interest and where players stand in his pecking order at the Emirates going forward.
The 25-year-old is currently at the Asian Cup with Japan after making 20 appearances for Arsenal this season in all competitions, scoring one goal and assisting another three.
