Arsenal have informed Bayern Munich that Takehiro Tomiyasu is not for sale, amid interest in the defender from the Bundesliga champions.
Bayern want to sign the defender during the January transfer window, with the Germans valuing the Japan international’s ability to operate across the backline.
Tomiyasu has performed at centre-back and in both full-back positions for Arsenal, but has struggled to command a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s side and has started just three Premier League games so far this season.
However, the Gunners are reluctant to lose the 25-year-old in the January transfer window and have informed Bayern that Tomiyasu is not for sale.
Sky Germany are reporting that Bayern will continue to monitor Tomiyasu’s situation at Arsenal ahead of a potential move in the summer window.
Bayern also remain interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, after a failed move to sign the Portugal international last summer.
The Bundesliga side had agreed a fee with Fulham in the region of €65 million for Palhinha, but the deal collapsed in the closing stages of the window. Bayern remain interested in the 28-year-old, but not at that asking price. However, Fulham have reportedly signalled a willingness to do business in January at a lower fee.