Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is training with Crystal Palace as he weighs up a return to the Premier League following the end of his spell at Ajax.
According to The Athletic, the Japan international has joined Palace’s pre-season camp in Como, where he is working with Pierre Sage’s squad as a potential move gathers momentum.
Tomiyasu is currently a free agent after leaving Ajax at the end of his short-term contract following the 2025-26 season.
The 27-year-old is using Palace’s training camp to build his fitness and could even feature in a pre-season friendly later this week as the club continues to assess him.
While there is interest from elsewhere in England and Europe, a return to the Premier League is understood to appeal to the versatile defender.
Tomiyasu remains a familiar figure to Arsenal supporters after spending four seasons in north London.
Signed from Bologna in 2021, he quickly established himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s most dependable defenders thanks to his ability to play at right-back, left-back and centre-back.
His composure in possession and defensive intelligence made him an important part of Arsenal’s squad whenever he was available.
Unfortunately, recurring injuries prevented him from building sustained momentum during the latter stages of his Arsenal career.
After making his final appearance in October 2024, Tomiyasu underwent knee surgery before leaving the club by mutual consent in the summer of 2025.
He subsequently joined Ajax on a short-term contract, making nine appearances before becoming a free agent once again.
His performances were nevertheless enough to earn a recall to Japan’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he featured three times before their elimination by Brazil.
Palace’s interest comes at a time when the club are reshaping their defence under new head coach Pierre Sage following the departure of Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles are also preparing for life after Maxence Lacroix, who is closing in on a move to Chelsea, creating room for another experienced defender.
Tomiyasu’s Premier League experience, versatility and availability on a free transfer make him an attractive option.
Whether the training stint develops into a permanent contract remains to be seen, but the former Arsenal defender now appears to have a genuine opportunity to restart his career back in English football.