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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a balancing act to handle this summer, so could a free transfer help unlock other deals?

Arsenal may have the answer to all their prayers — for free — as they manage their summer business.

The Gunners are trying to pull off the unlikely in the transfer market, as they aim to bring in the likes of Vinicius Jr and Bruno Guimaraes for a combined £200 million — and still make sure they have enough left to strengthen the defence.

So could a familiar face emerge as a lifeline for Arsenal?

According to James McNicholas of The Athletic, former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is training with Crystal Palace, with the Eagles considering a possible offer for the Japanese player.

Tomiyasu joined the Gunners in 2021 and grew into a dependable utility player in the Premier League, but in March 2023 he suffered knee damage that began a long run of injury issues.

The Japan international managed only five minutes of football in 2024/25 before undergoing surgery, but surprisingly left the club by mutual consent 12 months ago to continue his rehabilitation on his own.

Although the 27-year-old said his “heart wasn't really in it” while recovering at London Colney, his departure was entirely amicable with the club. “I’ll support the team as a Gooner alongside all of you,” he said after leaving, calling his exit “peaceful”.

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Tomiyasu signed a short-term deal with Ajax last season, ahead of appearing at the 2026 World Cup.

A return to England would certainly make sense: with Arsenal centre-back William Saliba limping out of the World Cup with a back injury — while right-backs Ben White and Jurrien Timber were ruled out before the tournament started — Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would surely love to have a fully fit Tomiyasu available as cover right now.

Though FourFourTwo understands that Palace are better placed to secure a deal — and that Arsenal are not currently looking at re-signing the 27-year-old — such a move would certainly help the Gunners as they work to finish other deals.

Considering how much Arsenal are expected to spend in attacking areas this summer, Arteta would surely welcome a familiar player he knows he can trust — and with Tomiyasu available for absolutely nothing, it may be tempting for both sides to finish their unfinished business together, especially with the defender finally able to play in arguably his best position of centre-back while Saliba recovers from injury.

With Palace the more likely destination, however, it remains to be seen how Arteta will look to find cover for the likes of Saliba and Timber, as he prepares to strengthen the squad while huge amounts are set to be spent in attack.

Tomiyasu is valued at €5m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence at home to Coventry City next month.