Tomiyasu featured in three of Japan's four matches at the summer tournament and starting twice. David Ramos via Getty ImagesAug. 5, 2026 Updated 1:38 pm EDTCrystal Palace are in advanced talks to complete the signing of free agent Takehiro Tomiyasu.The 27-year-old was part of the Palace squad that participated in the Como Cup, a pre-season tournament that was held between July 28 and July 31, after The Athletic reported the former Arsenal defender had been training with Pierre Sage’s side.Palace have been impressed with the Japan international’s contribution to their training camp and are in talks over making the move permanent, although a deal — including details over contract length — has not yet been finalised.Tomiyasu is a free agent since leaving Ajax, where he made just nine appearances last term.He was however included in Japan’s World Cup, featuring in three of the nation’s four matches at the summer tournament and started twice.The versatile defender, who has been deployed at right-back, left-back and centre-back, spent four seasons at Arsenal after joining the club from Bologna in 2021. He made 84 appearances, but his final seasons in north London were disrupted by injury.He departed in July 2025 after a mutual agreement was reached to terminate his contract one year early, prior to his season at Ajax.Palace have been in the market for defensive reinforcements following Maxence Lacroix’s transfer to Chelsea and Nathaniel Clyne’s departure. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the south London club are in advanced talks to sign American wing-back Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake.