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Ex-Arsenal rebel Samir Nasri’s amazing life story, from ‘close to dying’ with meningitis to Drip Doctor scandal and ban
by Philippa Kaur 27 September 2021, 11:37
ONE day, Samir Nasri might just sit down and wonder if he fulfilled his career to the best of his ability.The former Premier League star has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 34.
At the height of his career, Samir Nasri was compared to Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Colorsport
However, the Drip Doctor scandal destroyed Nasri’s careerCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
He had most recently been playing with Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht side in Belgium, before making the decision to hang up his boots.
However, he left the side when the coronavirus pandemic halted football in 2020 and has been without a side since.
Blessed with a talent that saw him compared to Zinedine Zidane, he once had legendary ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger purring over their similarities.
“The flexibility of his hips is similar to Zidane, but Zidane was a different player. Zidane was more a guy who creates openings through his skill, Nasri is more direct,” Le Professeur once said.
Nasri came to the Premier League from Marseille in 2008 aged just 21 in a £12million deal, and two years later he outshone Cesc Fabregas during the 2010-11 season.
But it was a move that might not have happened after he was nearly killed by a bout of meningitis while playing in France.
Then came an acrimonious divorce from the Gunners, whose fans labelled him a mercenary for moving to Manchester City for £24million.
In between, there was an epic fallout with France team-mate William Gallas, who accused Nasri of disrespecting Thierry Henry.
Later, he was banned for 18 months for breaching doping rules in the Drip Doctor scandal that shocked football.
A spell at West Ham failed to bring the best out of Nasri, before he was reunited with former team mate Kompany.
It was career that, perhaps, offered much more than he delivered.
CRITICALLY ILL
After blossoming from French wonderkid into a permanent fixture in a Marseille side brimming with talent, Nasri came down with meningitis in his final season at the club.
It’s a moment that he revealed nearly cost his life, and he revealed he felt abandoned by those he thought were close to him.
A wonderkid at Marseille, Nasri revealed he almost died when he caught meningitis in his last year with the French clubCredit: Reuters
Nasri spent 12 days in hospital and was gravely illCredit: AFP – Getty
“During my last year at Marseille, I was in the hospital for 12 days with meningitis, and I saw the actual side of people,” he told Canal+via Get Football French News.
“I saw those who were there for me when everything was going well, when I was Marseille’s little prince, when I had played the season where I became an international.
“People were behind me then, but when I was sick for 12 days, with meningitis about to die, no one was there. I noticed how things really were.”
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
In a life that’s been littered with misdemeanours, Nasri’s biggest crime saw him receive an 18-month ban for breaching WADA’s anti-doping rules.
Five years ago Nasri visited Drip Doctors medical centre and its co-founder Jamila Sozahdah, while on holiday in LA – sharing an image of the pair together on social media.
There, he received an intravenous drip of 500 millilitres of water containing nutrients.
In 2018, he was banned for six months by Uefa, which was extended to 18-months after an appeal by a Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspector.
Nasri revealed how the investigation, that followed, while he was on loan with La Liga giants Sevilla, destroyed him and he lost his desire to play football.
He told an Instagram Live discussion: “What happened in Los Angeles ruined my season.
Nasri visited controversial Drip Doctor Jamila Sozahdah while on holiday in LACredit: Instagram
Afterwards, Nasri was banned from football for violating anti-doping rulesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“It was an injection of vitamins that was legal and I had a prescription.
“I was destroyed because I thought I was going to be banned for two years.
“I didn’t want to play anymore after that. I even told [Sevilla boss, Jorge] Sampaoli to leave me out, but he always wanted me to play.
BAD BOY
Over the years, despite his obvious talents, Nasri developed a reputation as a bad boy.
Arsenal fans were left seething when he joined Premier League rivals City, calling his move money-motivated and labelling him a mercenary.
During his time in Manchester, even former manager Roberto Mancini said, “I would like to give him a punch” following a man-of-the-match performance in a league game, referring to his players’ inconsistency.
But it was his fractured relationship with ex-team-mate William Gallas that caused most controversy over the years.
It began when the former Chelsea defender took umbrage with Nasri for taking Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s seat on a bus during an international break.
Former Man City manager Roberto Mancini once said he wanted to punch NasriCredit: PA:Empics Sport
William Gallas and Samir Nasri had an epic falloutCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Nasri refused to shake the hand of Gallas before the North London derby when he left Arsenal for TottenhamCredit: BBC
“I had a problem with William Gallas. I had an argument with Thierry (Henry) about a seat on the team bus,” Nasri told the Daily Mail.
“But after that with Thierry it was cool. We had a misunderstanding.”
Gallas felt Nasri disrespected Henry, and refused to talk to him for a year.
And when they faced off against each other in the North London derby after Gallas moved to Spurs, Nasri refused to shake the hand of his compatriot before kick off.
GONE TOO FAR
In 2016, Gallas made the sensational claim that their hatred for one another threatened to get even uglier – with Nasri allegedly hatching a plan to have him Tasered in 2009.
“What you need to know is that I was staying at a hotel with my family,” he told RMC Sport TV.
“I was with my cousins for a meal, it was the eve of a gathering of the French team. At the end of the meal I went out of the hotel and some people approached me and wanted to talk to me.
“Initially I did not want to and then I recognised a person who was often with Samir (Nasri) at the Arsenal training ground.
“A few days before we had had an altercation about comments that he made about me and I did not like them.
Incredibly Gallas alleged that Nasri once tried to have him TaseredCredit: Reuters
Now retired, Nasri’s seems to have been a disappointment after offering much moreCredit: Jamie McPhilimey
Anderlecht were the last club to take Nasri on before he left
“This person wanted us to talk and wanted me to see Samir, who was in a car further away so I got ready to follow him – but my cousin, who is a policeman, told me in creole not to follow him.
“At the same time, I glanced inside and I saw someone crouched down with a bag. In the bag, there were Tasers. I didn’t know why.
“But luckily I was with people that day, because I do not know what could have happened.”
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Spotify boss Daniel Ek has been an Arsenal fan since 1991 because of Anders Limpar and is friends with Thierry Henry
by Philippa Kaur 27 September 2021, 09:38
A NEW owner would be music to the ears of Arsenal fans – especially if it’s the founder of streaming service Spotify.Billionaire Swede Daniel Ek, 38, was reportedly set to launch a takeover bid for the Gunners – with the help of Gunners legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira earlier this year.
Billionaire Spotify Founder Daniel Ek is reportedly interested in taking over at ArsenalCredit: Getty
Ek supports Arsenal because his favourite player growing up was Anders LimparCredit: Allsport
Thierry Henry and Ek sat next to one another at the North London derby on Sunday
However, a deal with current owner Stan Kroenke seems unlikely for now – with the American insisting he doesn’t want to sell the club.
But fans would’ve been buoyed to have seen him sitting alongside pal Henry at Sunday’s North London derby, cheering his team on.
The song-streaming entrepreneur has supported Arsenal since he was eight when his favourite player – and compatriot – Anders Limpar graced Highbury.
Ek has been given an ear bashing by some of music’s biggest artists – who have complained about how much money they’ve been paid by Spotify.
That might stand him in good stead if he takes over at the Em-irate-s!
He has built up an empire worth £48billion, of which he is believed to have a 12-14 per cent share.
Ek and Arsenal could, of course, be a marriage made in heaven.
And if it is anything like his own nuptials, there will be no expense spared.
Ek invited pals including Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg to a stunning Lake Como setting for a lavish wedding.
Bruno Mars was on hand as the wedding singer, while Hollywood star Chris Rock officiated proceedings.
GUNNER FOR LIFE
Born and raised in a rough suburb of Stockholm called Ragsved, Ek grew up a Gooner.
He fell in love with George Graham’s Arsenal back in 1991 and it all stemmed from one player – Sweden legend Limpar, who was a Gunner from 1990-94.
Ek revealed himself as an Arsenal fan in 2018 in a tweet following a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
I’ve been an Arsenal fan since 1991 (Anders Limpar). Yet, the despair (normally it’s a roller coaster) this season has been something else. First real game I felt at peace.— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) January 20, 2018
Ek, 38, fell in love with Arsenal when he was eightCredit: Getty
When he’s at his £43m home in Sweden, Ek never misses a game on TVCredit: PA
He wrote: “I’ve been an Arsenal fan since 1991 (Anders Limpar). Yet, the despair (normally it’s a roller coaster) this season has been something else. First real game I felt at peace.”
Ek never misses a game from his £43million home in Sweden, watching matches on TV.
TECH SAVVY
He was a self-starter. From 14, he owned his own business, he designed websites and taught youngsters how to use Photoshop, and the art of programming.
Incredibly, by 16 he was earning more than his dad, a mechanic, and mum, a childminder, combined.
Google snubbed him, however, because he didn’t have a degree. Perhaps they should have looked him up.
“At the time I was quite rebellious and didn’t take no for an answer, so I said, ‘I’m going to compete with them,’ ” he told the Financial Times.
Ek was a college dropout who was once snubbed for a job by GoogleCredit: Rex Features
Today, he’s co-founder of Spotify, worth around £48bn, and is close friends with Facebook CEO Mark ZuckerbergCredit: Getty – Contributor
BIRTH OF SPOTIFY
In 2008, Ek launched Spotify in Europe and three years later it arrived in the US.
The streaming service came after Napster – a controversial file sharing service that allowed subscribers to upload music to – had caused a major piracy row and was shut down.
But Ek was convinced Spotify could thrive.
He also believed that if he offered music for free on users’ computers with adverts, people would pay for a service on their iPhones which would remove ads.
That was enough to get several music companies onside, who allowed Spotify access to their archives for a fee.
Today, it boasts over 155 million subscribers – with many paying £9.99 monthly for a premium service.
It is said to be worth around £48bn, but amusingly-relaxed Ek doesn’t know how much is his share.
“Maybe 12 to 14 per cent, something like that,” he once said.
Spotify was launched in Europe in 2008, then three years later in the USCredit: Getty – Contributor
Spotify has over 155 million users with some paying the £9.99 monthly subscription feeCredit: Alamy
GUNNING FOR HIM
Last year, Ek had musicians gunning for him when he said it “wasn’t enough” for them to “record music once every three to four years”.
Stars including REM songwriter Mike Mills said Ek didn’t understand the work that goes into making hit songs and that they shouldn’t just be churned out.
Taylor Swift famously removed her entire back catalogue from Spotify in 2014, claiming artists didn’t receive enough money per stream. She reconciled with the company in 2017.
It has been estimated that Spotify pay around £0.0031 per stream – with some music stars getting around £3,000 per one million streams.
WEDDING TO BEAT ALL WEDDINGS
With friends in high places, Ek was always going to have an incredible wedding day.
The setting was the beautiful Lake Como in Italy, where the tech guru said ‘I do’ to long-term girlfriend, Sofia Levander in 2016.
In 2016, Ek married longterm girlfriend Sofia in Lake Como, ItalyCredit: Facebook
The ceremony was officiated by Hollywood A-lister Chris Rock and Swedish explorer Johan Ernst Nilson was one of the star-studded guestsCredit: Instagram @johanernst
Ek chats to guests Zuckerberg and his wife PriscillaCredit: Facebook
Bruno Mars performed at Ek’s wedding receptionCredit: Instagram @brooke
Facebook co-founder Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla, as well as Swedish explorer Johan Ernst Nilson were some of the guests.
But incredibly, Ek had Hollywood A-lister Rock officiating the ceremony.
Music, of course, was a big theme. The couple walked down the aisle to Guns N’ Roses anthem November Rain.
Mars was hired as the wedding singer – performing during the reception and appropriately singing his hit Marry You.
FAMILY MAN
Before settling down, Ek lived the high-life: “Buying sports cars, going to expensive nightclubs, spraying people with champagne and things like that,” he once said.
But now, at 38, he’s more responsible with his cash.
“What I learnt is that it wasn’t for me and, in fact, I feel pretty empty after doing that.”
Ek is very much a family man and has two daughtersCredit: Facebook
Ek prefers nights in at his £43m home on the outskirts of StockholmCredit: PA
He is now a father of two, who dotes on his two daughters, Elissa and Colinne, and is said to prefer nights in at his £43m home on the outskirts of Stockholm.
Should he take over at Arsenal, you can bet he won’t be watching games on his big screen there.
There will be nice, plush seat waiting for him in the directors’ box. That is the dream for the king of the stream.
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Lacazette ‘ready to run down Arsenal contract with Atletico Madrid preparing free transfer for striker’
by Philippa Kaur 23 September 2021, 09:51
ATLETICO MADRID are keeping tabs on Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette who is set to run down his contract, reports suggest.Lacazette’s deal with the Gunners expires next year in June and negotiations with the club’s hierarchy are not moving towards the right direction.
Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette has been linked with a move to Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
According to Le 10 Sport, Atletico are ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign the striker next summer on a free transfer ahead of his likely departure from the Emirates.
Atleti have been closely monitoring the France international ever since he played for Lyon.
The Spanish champions are still interested in the 30-year-old and appear as a likely destination after he leaves the north Londoners.
The Madrid giants are still in touch with the Frenchman’s representatives and are even preparing the ground for his potential arrival.
Atletico came just a whisker away from signing Lacazette in 2017 before the centre-forward put pen to paper with Arsenal.
The forward agreed to join Diego Simeone’s side but the move never materialised as the LaLiga giants were struggling with transfer restrictions at the time.
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FIFA had banned the LaLiga outfit from signing players after they were found guilty of breaking international transfer rules for Under-16s.
And thus, Lacazette joined Arsenal in the same year for a then club record £46.5million.
He has since registered a total of 67 goals and 29 assists in 173 appearances across all competitions.
But the ex-Lyon star has only managed three matches this season and his future at the Emirates appears to be uncertain.
However, manager Mikel Arteta insists he is not keen on letting Lacazette go.
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Arsenal kid Charlie Patino plays like Phil Foden, is being tracked by Barcelona and is set to make debut in EFL Cup
by Philippa Kaur 22 September 2021, 12:30
IT’S almost impossible to tip a 17-year-old to make a breakthrough into a Premier League giant’s first team, stay there and become a success.But the outrageously gifted Charlie Patino has all the ingredients to become an Arsenal legend like Liam Brady, say Gunners insiders.
Charlie Patino, 17, is rated highly at the Emirates and plays like Phil FodenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
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The 5ft 11in midfielder is said to boast similarities to Manchester City’s Phil Foden in the way he dribbles with the ball.
Left-footed Patino is also rated as a better prospect than Jack Wilshere was at 16 by Arsenal sources, with the pair following a similar path to North London.
Earlier this month, he humiliated Manchester United stars Phil Jones and Dean Henderson in an U23 game the Gunners won 3-1 – slaloming through the Red Devils defence to score a sumptuous goal.
His rapid rise has prompted reports that Spain are aiming to poach the England U18 for their own national team.
Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his progress – with hopes they can lure him away from the Emirates.
FROM LUTON WITH LOVE
Like the former Arsenal darling Wilshere, Watford-born Patino got his start at Luton Town.
Aged 11 the bigger clubs started swooning around the playmaker – with Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all clamouring to secure the young boy’s services.
But he chose the Gunners in 2015, who had to pay the Hatters a £10,000 compensation fee, because of their proximity to his family home in St Albans.
His Spanish father Julio told Luton Herald & Post at the time: “Opportunities like this don’t come too often so you’ve got to take them and we’re absolutely delighted for him.
“When clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham, come knocking on your door, there’s a reason behind it and you can’t just say ‘no thanks, I’m quite happy where I am.’
“Luton Town didn’t want to lose Charlie, they absolutely love him there, but they realised for him to develop further he needs to move on.”
Patino is said to be better than Jack Wilshere was at 16Credit: Getty Images – Getty
England U16 international Patino is training with Arsenal’s first team starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
FAST LEARNER
Charlie soon rose through the ranks for Arsenal’s youth sides, playing in a higher age group for both club and country.
As a 14-year-old, he captained England in an U16 match against Spain.
While at the same age, Patino also starred for Arsenal’s U18s against Chelsea.
Before the coronavirus pandemic halted youth football, he had broken into the U18s permanently.
In a drab FA Youth Cup tie against Cheltenham Town, that was ruined by heavy rain and gale force winds, Patino was the standout player.
The game went to penalties after it finished 0-0, and it was brave Patino who scored the decisive spot-kick.
Like Jack Wilshere, Patino joined the Gunners from Luton TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal had to pay Luton Town £10,000 compensation for Patino in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Patino broke into Arsenal U18s last term and appeared in their FA Youth Cup campaignCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A GAME-CHANGER
Like Brady, Patino has the ability to be a game-changer and orchestrates play from the middle of the park.
He is extremely comfortable on the ball and can hurt the opposition with a defence-splitting pass from deep and in a No10 role.
His work-rate has been commended, as well as his respectful and polite nature off the pitch.
In style, because of his frame, Patino has been compared to England star Phil Foden.
Arteta, who worked with Foden at Manchester City, would be the best judge of that.
TRAINING WITH THE FIRST TEAM
The Spaniard is said to have been mightily impressed by what he’s seen so far of Patino, who signed scholarship terms last year.
Arteta also had the youngster training alongside the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Willian to familiarise him with the first team set-up.
Former Arsenal first team star Willian gets to grips with Patino on the training pitchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Patino signed scholarship terms with Arsenal this yearCredit: Instagram / @charliepatino10
Mikel Arteta is said to very impressed with what he’s seen of PatinoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
With Arteta’s willingness to give kids a chance, it might not be long before Patino gets his opportunity in North London.
Wilshere holds the record for youngest ever Arsenal debutant at 16 years and 256 days.
Patino won’t break that. But he might fulfil the promise Jack could have done in the years to come.
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Watch Thierry Henry taunt Tottenham in build up to Europa Conference League clash to the delight of Arsenal fans
by Philippa Kaur 17 September 2021, 07:01
THIERRY HENRY aimed a cheeky dig at Tottenham in the build up to their Europa Conference League clash – and Arsenal fans loved it. Spurs drew 2-2 to French outfit Rennes to open their European campaign with a draw.
Thierry Henry aimed a cheeky dig at Tottenham in the build up to their Europa Conference League clash
Before the match, Arsenal legend Henry, providing punditry for Amazon Prime, claimed to not even know who his former arch enemies were.
A presenter, in French, said: “Second consecutive loss for Stade Rennes.
“It’s something they have to be worried about, furthermore on Thursday they are facing Tottenham in the Europa League at Roahzon Parc.”
Henry then interrupted with: “Sorry, who? I don’t know them.”
Gooners loved the jibe but rival fans were quick to point out Henry’s Arsenal are not even in Europe themselves this season.
One said: “A true Arsenal legend.”
Another said: “King Henry.”
One commented: “The funniest thing I’ve heard this month.”
Another posted: “His beloved Arsenal not in any European competition, maybe he’s still upset about that.”
Henry may have had one more laugh after Spurs failed to pick up three points in France with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s 76 minute equaliser saving his side from defeat
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: “Was not perfect. I think we started very well in possession, finding good lines.
“We scored, then we lost a little bit of control. Rennes is a good team; they caused some problems for us.
“It is hard to judge all the game with all the circumstances that happened during the game.
“But I think we finished well; we showed a lot of character and belief to change the result after we conceded.
“In the end, I think we were in control. A hard team to play, a hard pitch to play, but the attitude was good.
“A lot of players out of position, so it is hard to analyse and be fair.”
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Arsenal on for bottom-half Premier League finish unless players follow example of legend Rocastle, says Julian Dicks
by Philippa Kaur 10 September 2021, 15:52
ARSENAL are going to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table unless they learn from the legendary David Rocastle.That is according to former West Ham defender Julian Dicks, who insists that the Gunners’ current crop lacks character and work ethic as showed by the disastrous start to their Premier League campaign.
Arsenal have endured a disastrous start to their Premier League campaignCredit: Getty
The north Londoners have lost all three of their first games in the top flight and conceded nine times without scoring once, in what marks their worst start to a season since 1954.
Dicks named Rocastle as the perfect example those players should look up to because he never gave up and always remained focused on the pitch back when he played for the north Londoners.
The legendary midfielder spent seven years at Arsenal after his debut in 1985 and went on to amass a total of 11 goals and three assists in 91 appearances across all competitions.
The ex-Liverpool player insists Mikel Arteta’s men need to adopt Rocky’s principles very quickly or they are in danger of an even worse finish than last season when they missed out on Europe for the first time in 25 years.
Dicks, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Southampton v West Ham, said: “Arsenal are a big club, and I was lucky enough to play at Highbury – but they’re a completely different team these days.
“I look at them, and they just don’t work hard enough. Yeah, they have some good players, but you have to work hard.
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“You watch the Tottenham v Man City game, and both teams worked their socks off for the whole game. Both sets of players went all out in that game, and then I look at Arsenal and they don’t work anywhere near as hard.
“As soon as they cross that line, it’s down to the players. The manager can put his team out and shout his instructions, but he needs his team to play ball and work hard, and for me they don’t.
“It’s about making the right decisions at the right time, and being aggressive. I’m not talking about going around and kicking people; I mean winning your headers, winning your tackles, your second balls and your knock downs. For me, Arsenal don’t do that enough.
“Arsenal are a big, big club. When Arsene Wenger was there, they were doing it. They were always in the top four or five, and they always had players that would work hard. You’ve got one or two there at the moment, maybe, who really put the effort in. But you can’t build success on that.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH
“Unless they improve significantly, they’ll finish this season in the bottom half. It’s as simple as that. They need to recruit in the right places; you know, you’d like Nigel Winterburn, Lee Dixon, Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Steve Bould. You’d die to have those players at the club now in defence, because they very rarely conceded goals.
“They were so disciplined in doing what they needed to do. But now you’ve got the left-back attacking, the right-back up the other end of the pitch trying to score goals, and then when it breaks down, they don’t get back quick enough.
“Look at Man City for example they’re the best team in the Premier League right now. Their players work their nuts off. If there was any club you could probably excuse for not working hard it’s them, because they’ve already won the title. But they’re hungry for more success, and so they don’t stop. I don’t see that with Arsenal.
“I was lucky enough to have played against David Rocastle, god bless him, who was an honest player. He wasn’t exceptionally quick, but he was a very good player, and if I ever went on the overlap, he’d be following me. He never gave me a minute of peace. He wouldn’t just stand there and leave me; he’d be following me.
“Do the Arsenal forwards really bust a gut like that now? No. Times have changed at Arsenal, but the principles should still be the same; you have to work hard, and if you’re not doing that, you’re not good enough.
“Fans aren’t going to put up with it for much longer, and at the end of the day, fans make or break you as a manager. They have done for many years. I can’t see Mikel Arteta being in charge for much longer, to be honest with you, if things don’t improve drastically.”
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Watch Arsenal new boy Takehiro Tomiyasu take part in first Gunners training session ahead of crunch Norwich clash
by Philippa Kaur 10 September 2021, 13:59
ARSENAL signing Takehiro Tomiyasu took part in his first training session for his new club on Friday.Tomiyasu joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day last month following a last-gasp £20million deal with Bologna.
Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu took part in training for the first time
Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna on transfer deadline day
First session ✅📺 Watch as Tomiyasu links up with his new teammates for the first time at London Colney ahead of #ARSNOR 👇— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 10, 2021
The defender had been on the north Londoners’ wish list throughout the entire summer and could make his debut on Saturday against Norwich.
Mikel Arteta’s squad will host the Canaries at the Emirates following a disastrous start to the season that has seen them lose all three Premier League matches, while conceding nine goals without scoring once.
And Arteta will hope the Japan international will add some much needed confidence at the back.
The 22-year-old joined his new team-mates for the first time at London Colney earlier on Friday following the international break.
That’s raised fans’ hopes of seeing the Japanese ace play a part against Daniel Farke’s fellow strugglers over the weekend.
Arsenal shared a video of Tomiyasu taking part in training for the first time and posted it on Twitter.
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It is expected that the ex-Sint-Truiden star will become Arteta’s new right-back after Hector Bellerin was loaned out to Real Betis.
The Arsenal manager previously said: “Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level.
“He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball.
“He will be an important member of our squad.”
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Arsenal keeper Karl Hein thwarted Gareth Bale and Co as Estonia drew with Wales and snubbed an offer from Man Utd
by Philippa Kaur 9 September 2021, 15:31
ARSENAL’S goalkeeping position has come under scrutiny in recent years.Bernd Leno’s future is on the line, and the Gunners have splashed out £24million on Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein shows off his talents at London ColneyCredit: Getty – Contributor
Hein won the man-of-the-match against Wales on WednesdayCredit: Getty
But at least waiting in reserve they have another promising youngster in Karl Hein.
Estonian international Hein, 19, joined the Premier League side in 2018.
In that time, he has become a full international and has 10 caps to his name.
And against Wales in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, Hein delivered a man-of-the-match display as he shut out Gareth Bale and Co to earn his country a point in a 0-0 draw.
EARLY STARTER
Estonia has already provided the Premier League with one of its great goalkeeping servants in Mart Poom.
So, it was inevitable that Hein would find himself on our shores sooner rather than later.
He began his career in his homeland with Nomme United, where he was discovered.
At the age of just 16 he managed to appear five times in the Estonian third division, before Arsenal came calling.
The North London side fought off Serie A giants Juventus to secure his services in 2018.
Estonian goalkeeping legend Mart Poom poses for a snap with HeinCredit: Facebook/FC Nomme United
Currently, Hein is fourth choice with Bern Leno, Aaron Ramsdale and Arthur Okonkwo all ahead of him in the pecking orderCredit: Getty
IT COULD’VE BEEN MANCHESTER
Later, Hein would go on to reveal that he rejected a move to Manchester United before joining Arsenal’s academy.
“Manchester United’s offer was a shock because it’s such a big club and I admired Edwin Van der Sar and their 2008 team, whose videos I’ve watched on YouTube,” he told the Estonian FA, as per Sport Witness.
“Therefore, at first, it seemed a little bit unbelievable that I would have the opportunity to go to that club.”
Bizarrely, one of the reasons he opted for Arsenal came down to public transport.
“I went to every club to show myself. I was at United for three days, in other clubs for a little longer,” he said..
“The first impression might have been deceptive, but it seemed to me that discipline and the organisational side, as well as other details, were at a higher level at Arsenal.
“In Manchester, for example, transport was always late, which is why I was late for training.
Hein joined the Gunners’ academy in 2018Credit: Getty
Since 2018, Hein has progressed through to the Premier League 2 teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
“The reception at Arsenal was very friendly and the club left a very good impression, because, let’s be honest, there was no difference in terms of level because both Arsenal and United are among the top in the world.”
HOPES TO GET NOTICED
Hein pulled off top class saves from Gareth Bale and Tyler Roberts to earn his side a draw at the Cardiff City Stadium.
He’s rarely featured for the Gunners, popping up in the EFL Trophy for the U23’s and made his first team bow this season in a 2-1 preseason defeat to Hibernian.
But, as fourth-choice, he’s hopeful that his display against Wales will get him noticed by boss Arteta and earn him a chance in the first team.
“I believe and hope that the games will be watched,” he said after the game.
“I will go back to the club like after every team window and do my best in training.”
Standing at 6ft 4in, Hein cuts an imposing figure in goalCredit: AP
Gareth Bale’s header is thwarted by the Estonian shotstopperCredit: Reuters
Hein’s future is up in the air with just a year left on his contract with the GunnersCredit: Reuters
Hein did lose his battle with 19-year-old Arthur Okonkwo for promotion to Arteta’s first team earlier this summer, with the latter putting pen to paper on a longterm contract.
And with his own future up in the air, and just a year left on his contract, he might’ve just put himself in the shop window with his display against Wales.
That, or he could make a serious challenge for the Arsenal No1 spot.
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