Tomiyasu joins Palace on a free after trial as Eagles eye Chelsea’s Acheampong

Takehiro Tomiyasu has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer after a trial period. The Japan international completed his move to the Eagles following a successful trial at Selhurst Park. Tomiyasu featured in several pre-season games during his trial spell at Palace.

The defender was a fan-favourite during his time at Arsenal but had his contract terminated last year. Ongoing injury problems restricted him to almost no appearances in the 2024/25 season. After a brief stint at Ajax, Tomiyasu has become the second signing of new manager Pierre Sage’s tenure at Palace.

Tomiyasu follows Óscar Mingueza in joining the club, adding much-needed depth to the squad. Palace are preparing for their Europa League debut and have been active in the transfer market. The club recently sold Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea for £52 million.

A deal for Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima collapsed last week, while interest remains in Brest teenager Raphael le Guen. However, the teenager has made only a handful of senior appearances. Palace have also been linked with another Chelsea defender, Axel Disasi, though his £25 million price tag poses challenges.

Palace are reportedly targeting Josh Acheampong, a defender Chelsea consider ‘untouchable’. Acheampong is one of seven players Chelsea would not sell at any price, alongside Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo. The 20-year-old struggled for minutes last season, making just 14 starts from 30 appearances.

Acheampong’s situation is unlikely to improve this season with the arrivals of Lacroix and Marco Palestra, plus Levi Colwill’s return from injury. Chelsea are not participating in any European competition this campaign. Palace are exploring a loan deal for the versatile defender, who can play at centre-back or right-back.

It remains unclear if Xabi Alonso would sanction Acheampong’s loan departure, as Chelsea aim to sell 11 players before the transfer window closes. Several former Chelsea players have thrived on loan at Palace, including Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

In a separate move, Palace have agreed a £10 million deal to sign Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake. The highly-rated American winger will bolster the Eagles’ squad ahead of their European campaign.

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