Former Arsenal star in line for Premier League return as Crystal Palace trial confirmed | OneFootball

Ex-Gunners defender could be set to return to London

Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is on trial at Crystal Palace ahead of a potential move.

The Japan international, who left Ajax at the end of his contract this summer, has been included as a trialist in Palace’s squad for the Como Cup.

It has been reported that Palace are open to signing Tomiyasu following his trial.

The versatile right-back was named on the bench as Palace prepare to take on RC Lens in the first of two Como Cup group games on Tuesday evening, with the Eagles also facing Portuguese side Famalicao in Group A.

Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal was wrecked by injuries and a mutual agreement was reached to terminate his contract a year early in July 2025.

Trialist: Takehiro Tomiyasu

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The 27-year-old, who reportedly has interest from other clubs in England and Europe, had not played for the Gunners since October 2024 and underwent knee surgery in February 2025 before his contract was terminated.

Tomiyasu, who was recalled to the Japan squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, made 84 appearances for the north london club after signing from Serie A side Bologna in 2021.

Palace are in the market for defensive reinforcements with Maxence Lacroix expected to complete a £52million move to Chelsea.

The Frenchman completed a medical over the weekend and is expected to be imminently announced as a Blues player.

Palace have held talks with Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima, and reportedly hold an interest in Brest defender Raphael Le Guen.

Any move for Tomiyasu is not expected to impact Palace’s pursuit of Le Guen or a centre-back to replace Lacroix, with all deals viewed as seperate to each other.