Could Arsenal re-sign former star on free transfer, and solve major transfer conundrum?
Arsenal could have the answers to all their prayers – for free – as they juggle summer business.
The Gunners are trying to pull off the improbable in the transfer market, as they look to bring in the likes of Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes for a combined £200 million – and ensure that they have enough in the tank to strengthen in defence.
So could a familiar face present himself as a lifeline to Arsenal?
Former Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in London
According to James McNicholas of The Athletic, former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is training with Crystal Palace, as the Eagles weigh up a possible offer for the Japanese.
Tomiyasu signed for the Gunners in 2021 and established himself as a solid utility man in the Premier League – but in March 2023, he suffered knee damage that would mark the start of a string of injury problems.
The Japan international played just five minutes of football in 2024/25, before undergoing surgery – but surprisingly left the club by mutual consent to continue his rehabilitation alone 12 months ago.
Though the 27-year-old claimed his “heart wasn’t really in it” during his recovery at London Colney, his exit was completely amicable with the club. “I’ll support the team as a Gooner alongside all of you,” he said after departing, describing his exit as “peaceful”.
Tomiyasu signed a short-term deal with Ajax last season, ahead of appearing at the 2026 World Cup.
The return to England is certainly apt: with Arsenal centre-back William Saliba hobbling out of the World Cup with a back injury – while right-backs Ben White and Jurrien Timber were ruled out before the tournament began – Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would certainly love to call upon a fully fit Tomiyasu as cover right now.
Though FourFourTwo understands that Palace are better placed to strike a deal – and that Arsenal aren’t currently looking at re-signing the 27-year-old – the move would certainly help the Gunners out, as they look to complete other deals.
Given how much Arsenal are looking to spend in forward areas this summer, Arteta would no doubt welcome a familiar face that he knows he could trust – and with Tomiyasu available for absolutely nothing, it may be tempting for both parties to complete their unfinished business together, especially with the defender able to finally play in arguably his best position of centre-back, while Saliba recovers from injury.
With Palace a more likely option, however, one wonders how Arteta will look to seek cover for the likes of Saliba and Timber, as he looks to strengthen with eye-watering sums about to be spent in attack.
Tomiyasu is worth €5m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal start their Premier League title defence at home to Coventry City next month.
