Crystal Palace are on the verge of completing a free transfer for Takehiro Tomiyasu after the Japan international impressed during a trial period with the club. The Eagles are also weighing up a separate move for winger Solly March as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
Talks between Palace and the 27-year-old defender over a permanent contract had been ongoing, with a broad agreement on terms already understood to be in place. The final call on completing the deal rests with head coach Pierre Sage, who has been assessing whether Tomiyasu fits into his plans for the upcoming campaign.
Sage is reportedly planning to deploy a back three next season, and Tomiyasu is viewed internally as a strong candidate to operate on the left side of that defensive setup. The versatile Japan international, who can play across multiple defensive positions, would add depth to a Palace backline in need of reinforcement.
However, question marks remain over Tomiyasu's physical condition. His career in recent years has been disrupted by persistent knee problems, and while Palace are said to be confident in his footballing quality, the club wants further reassurance regarding his fitness before finalizing terms.
Tomiyasu's departure from Arsenal came by mutual consent last season, after which he moved to Ajax, making eight appearances for the Dutch club before the campaign ended. He also featured for Japan at the World Cup, starting two of his three appearances for his national team during the tournament.
Alongside the Tomiyasu pursuit, Palace are considering whether to move for March, who became a free agent after leaving Brighton at the conclusion of last season. The 32-year-old winger has been recommended to the club, and internal discussions at Selhurst Park have touched on the feasibility of a potential deal, though no formal steps have been confirmed publicly.
Palace's need to strengthen defensively has been underlined by the departure of Maxence Lacroix, who was the club's first-choice central defender before completing a move to Chelsea. That exit has left a gap in Sage's defensive options that the club is now working to fill through the market.
As part of their broader search for defensive reinforcements, Palace have also expressed interest in a loan move for Chelsea's Josh Acheampong. The 20-year-old has attracted attention from Selhurst Park, though there is currently no indication that Chelsea are willing to sanction his departure, even on a temporary basis.
In addition, Palace continue to hold a strong interest in Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen, another name under consideration as the club assesses multiple avenues to reshape its backline before the campaign begins.
With Tomiyasu's arrival appearing increasingly likely and further defensive moves under discussion, Palace look set for a busy period of squad building as they aim to address the personnel gaps left by recent departures and prepare for the demands of the new season under Sage's tactical approach.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.