Palace hold talks with ex-Arsenal defender Tomiyasu
Crystal Palace have opened talks with free agent Takehiro Tomiyasu over a permanent deal that would return the Japan international to the Premier League. The 27-year-old, who is currently training with the club and was named among the substitutes for a pre-season friendly against Lens, left Arsenal by mutual consent last season before a brief spell at Ajax.
A broad agreement on terms is reportedly in place should head coach Pierre Sage choose to proceed, with Tomiyasu seen as a potential option on the left of a three-man central defence Palace plan to deploy next season. Concerns remain over his fitness given recent knee problems, though the club are said to rate his ability. The move is part of a wider defensive rebuild following Maxence Lacroix's expected departure to Chelsea, with Palace also pursuing Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima (around a £25.7m deal), a possible loan for Chelsea's Josh Acheampong, and interest in Brest's Raphael le Guen.
- Palace in talks to sign free agent Tomiyasu on a permanent deal
- Ex-Arsenal defender eyed for new three-man defence role
- Move comes amid wider defensive rebuild after Lacroix's Chelsea exit
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Takehiro Tomiyasu is a Japanese international defender who recently played for Arsenal, one of England's most prominent football clubs. He left Arsenal last season by mutual consent and had a brief spell at Ajax in the Netherlands before becoming available as a free agent.
Crystal Palace are rebuilding their defence under manager Pierre Sage ahead of the new season. The London club has lost a key defender and is actively searching for experienced replacements.
Experienced defenders with Premier League exposure are particularly in demand. Teams rebuilding their defences often target players with established top-flight experience, since they already understand English football and require less time to adjust.