BAYERN MUNICH are reportedly considering a shock swoop for Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The 25-year-old has established himself as a key player among Mikel Arteta‘s ranks this season.

He has played as a centre-back, left-back and right-back since the start of the campaign, providing cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko and the injured Jurrien Timber.

And his impressive form has seen him attract interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are considering a bid for Tomiyasu.

The Bundesliga giants are interested in the defender because he can play as a centre-back and a full-back.

A January transfer is understood to be unrealistic as the Japan international is set to appear at the Asian Cup.

However, Bayern are expected to continue monitoring him until the summer window opens.

The prospect of Tomiyasu leaving has left a number of Arsenal fans nervous, with one person tweeting: “Very very interesting. But we need him at Arsenal.”

Another added: “With all due respect, they should look elsewhere. Tomi is not for sale.”

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While a third joked: “I am worried that these guys can’t look beyond the Premier League.”

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal in a £20million transfer from Bologna in 2021.

He has since made 69 appearances for the Gunners.

The full-back struggled with a knee injury last season and was stuck on the sidelines for several months after undergoing surgery.

However, he has returned to top form this season.

Tomiyasu scored his first goal for the Gunners in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United last month.