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Crystal Palace are reportedly set to sign ex-Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu after the Japanese international completed a successful trial with the Eagles in recent weeks. Crystal Palace Set to Sign Ex-Arsenal Defender Tomiyasu to Crystal Palace According to reports, Palace are pushing ahead with negotiations, and manager Pierre Sage has been pleased with Tomiyasu’s recent training performance. Tomiyasu’s recent seasons have been plagued by injuries, but this opportunity will allow him to regain fitness while also returning to the Premier League. He was previously described as the best right-back he’d played with by then teammate Ben White. Eagles manager Pierre Sage will be desperate to add defensive options to his Palace side after the recent departure of Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea. Read More: Chelsea Sign Maxence Lacroix: Next Focus for the Club Identified How Will Tomiyasu Fit in at Palace The Japanese international is comfortable playing as both a centre back and a wing back in Palace’s system, making him a valuable option for the Eagles. Pierre Sage will want defensive reinforcements at Crystal Palace, as the South London side target a maiden Europa League campaign. Tomiyasu left Arsenal last season by mutual consent and joined Ajax, where he made eight appearances at the back end of the season. Before his Ajax debut in February, the defender hadn’t played since October 2024 after a knee injury saw him sidelined and the Eagles will be wary of his recent injury record. The Japanese international did play three times at the recent World Cup, however and played the full ninety minutes as the Samurai Blue were defeated by Brazil. Read More: 5 Centre-Backs Crystal Palace Could Sign amid Maxence Lacroix Uncertainty Tomiyasu wouldn’t be a stranger in the dressing room after playing alongside international teammate Daichi Kamada 50 times throughout their career, which included a single season at Belgian side Sint-Truden. Tomiyasu would also reunite with Arsenal teammate Eddie Nketiah, with the duo making 53 appearances together for the Gunners. Game time won’t be an issue for the defender, with the Eagles battling in four different competitions and needing depth in the defensive area. The 27-year-old will provide Premier League and Europa League experience which will be vital if the Premier League side want a successful season. The Eagles have already signed Spaniard defender Oscar Mingueza and have reportedly held an interest in young French centre-back Raphael Le Guen. Featured Image Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus