Crystal Palace want to sign talented £20M Arsenal Player.

Crystal Palace want to sign talented £20M Arsenal Player.

Crystal Palace have shown a surprise interest in snapping up Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer.

This summer, Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu has piqued the curiosity of London rivals Crystal Palace.

According to the Daily Mail, Palace has expressed interest in bringing Tomiyasu to Selhurst Park.

Arsenal are big supporters of Palace defender Marc Guehi, but a deal for him this late in the transfer window is difficult.

However, Palace likes Tomiyasu, thus there is some optimism for a prospective trade.

That seems doubtful, however, given Mikel Arteta’s preference for players with actual versatility.

Tomiyasu, dubbed ‘outstanding’ by Ben White, fits that description wonderfully, having played all around the back four; right back, left back, centre back – the Japan international can do it all.

This is especially significant right now because Jurrien Timber is expected to miss the majority of the season due to injury.

Timber is so important due of his adaptability, therefore it was no surprise that Tomiyasu was selected to replace him against Palace on Monday.

It’s odd that Palace wanted to sign Tomiyasu, but when he did start against the Eagles on Monday night, he was sent out.

If Tomiyasu believes in terrible omens, he might not want to make Selhurst Park his permanent home!

Arsenal would be wise to explore defensive targets amid Crystal Palace interest in Takehiro Tomiyasu

Maybe Palace will confirm their interest in Tomiyasu before the deadline next week, maybe not.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal for £20 million nearly two years ago, and another late transfer appears unlikely.

With Timber out and Gabriel Magalhaes’ future uncertain, Arsenal might be good to have some defensive prospects in mind.

Guehi might be one, but he is a pure centre back with little defensive variety, which Arteta prefers.

Edmond Tapsoba is another name that has recently been discussed, but he has a similar story, having only played as a centre defender for Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal may benefit more from versatile full backs like Timothy Castagne and Kyle Walker-Peters, who can play on either side.

Neither would cost a fortune when their clubs were relegated, and they both have Premier League experience.

We don’t see Tomiyasu moving, but you never know – and Arsenal must be ready in case they receive an offer they can’t reject.