Popular ex-Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu, 27, on brink of transfer back to Premier League a year after Gunners exit

FORMER Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is on the brink of a sensational return to the Premier League with Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old Japanese international is expected to have his medical in London and is expected to sign his contract within the next 48 hours after agreeing to join the Eagles as a free agent. Takehiro Tomiyasu is on his way back to the Premier League after being offered a contract at Crystal Palace Credit: Rex Tomiyasu had been on trial to prove his fitness before being offered a new deal Credit: Getty Tomiyasu is set to return to England just a year after bringing the curtain down on his spell with Arsenal. Following his departure from the Gunners, the defender signed for Ajax in the hope of getting his career back on track. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But his time in Amsterdam was derailed by injury problems, restricting him to just seven league appearances before he left the Dutch club this summer. Since becoming a free agent, Tomiyasu has been looking for the right opportunity to relaunch his career. Crystal Palace offered him the chance to prove his fitness after inviting him to train with the squad on trial. The experienced defender is understood to have impressed manager Pierre Sage during that spell. His displays convinced Palace to press ahead with a deal, with the South London club now set to complete the signing. Tomiyasu’s versatility is expected to be a major asset, with the Japan international capable of operating at right-back, left-back and centre-half. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Tomiyasu’s time at Ajax was disrupted by injuries Credit: Getty He enjoyed four seasons at Arsenal after arriving from Bologna in 2021 and quickly became a popular figure among supporters thanks to his consistency and ability to fill a number of defensive roles. However, recurring injuries hampered his progress in North London and ultimately limited his appearances during the latter stages of his Arsenal career. Now Tomiyasu has the chance to make a fresh start in the Premier League, with Palace hoping his experience and quality can strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season. The move represents another significant addition for Pierre Sage as he continues shaping his squad, with Tomiyasu expected to complete the remaining paperwork once his contract is signed over the next 48 hours. An official announcement is expected from Crystal Palace once the formalities have been completed. Comment now