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Arsenal## A former Arsenal player has been spotted training with a London rival after his release from the Gunners, having spoke with two interested clubs beforehand
13:26, 28 Jul 2026
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been training with Crystal Palace following his release from Arsenal last summer, having spent the latter stages of 2025/26 with Ajax.
The 27-year-old mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Gunners a year early last July, having not featured since the October and undergoing knee surgery in February 2025.
The Japanese international then joined Ajax on a half-season contract in December, featuring just seven times in the Eredivisie. He was not offered a new contract upon the expiry of his deal.
After making three appearances for his nation at the 2026 World Cup, Tomiyasu has now linked up with Crystal Palace in Como with a view to a possible move in the coming weeks.
As per the Athletic, he could also feature for the Eagles in a pre-season friendly later this week.
While he has attracted interest from clubs elsewhere in England and Italy, Tomiyasu is thought to favour a return to the Premier League - potentially at Selhurst Park.
It comes as Palace could do with reinforcement at centre-half, as they look likely to lose Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea this summer.
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With 84 appearances under his belt for the Gunners, Tomiyasu could fit that bill perfectly - a Premier League proven defender who is eager to revitalise his career following an unfortunate year or so.
However, Palace may harbour concerns about the Fukuoka-born talent's injury record. Tomiyasu missed a total of 435 days for Arsenal as a result of his knee injury, as well as a further 73 through an earlier calf issue.
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At Ajax, meanwhile, Tomiyasu was out of action for 59 days though fitness concerns and a hamstring injury.
It comes as Arsenal have injury issues of their own to navigate in defence this summer, with William Saliba set for an extended period on the sidelines.
A previous back issue held by the centre-half flared up while on World Cup duty with France, forcing Saliba to return early. While surgery is not needed, he now faces a "period of rehabilitation," before he is fit to return to playing.
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