Crystal Palace are edging closer to signing former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu after holding talks over a permanent deal.
Tomiyasu, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Ajax at the end of his short-term contract in June, has joined Pierre Sage’s squad for the Como Cup and was named among the substitutes for Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to RC Lens. With several Palace players still absent following the World Cup, the 27-year-old has been training with the first team as the club assesses his fitness and suitability.
Discussions between Palace and the versatile defender are understood to have progressed well, with a broad agreement on personal terms reportedly in place if Sage decides to complete the signing. However, Palace remain cautious because of Tomiyasu’s lengthy injury record, particularly the knee problems that disrupted much of his time at Arsenal.
The Eagles are convinced by Tomiyasu’s quality and versatility, with Sage expected to use a back three this season. Palace view the Japanese international as an option on the left side of that defensive trio, while his ability to play at both centre-back and full-back adds further appeal.
Tomiyasu is keen to resume his Premier League career and still lives in London after his spell with Arsenal. Although he has attracted interest from clubs elsewhere in England and across Europe, a move to Selhurst Park is viewed as a realistic possibility if all parties are satisfied following his trial period.
His Arsenal career was heavily affected by injuries after arriving from Bologna in 2021. He made 84 appearances for the Gunners but had not featured since October 2024 before undergoing knee surgery in February 2025. Arsenal and the defender mutually agreed to terminate his contract a year early before he joined Ajax, where he made eight appearances during the closing stages of last season.
Palace’s interest in Tomiyasu comes as the club reshapes its defence following the expected departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea in a deal worth around 52 million pounds.
The south London club continue to pursue Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima, with negotiations ongoing over a deal reportedly worth around 30 million euros (25.7 million pounds). Palace also retain interest in Brest defender Raphael Le Guen and Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong on loan, although there is no indication Chelsea are willing to sanction the 20-year-old’s temporary exit.
Any move for Tomiyasu is understood to be separate from Palace’s pursuit of another central defender, with the club looking to strengthen across multiple defensive positions before the new Premier League season.
