Arsenal have stepped up their summer transfer activity, having reportedly made a formal offer for young striker Takuma Asano from Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Arsene Wenger is on the hunt for a fresh attacking setup, with too many players having one foot on the exit door of the Emirates, including Yaya Sanogo and Serge Gnabry.
It is believed that although this isn’t the big money signing all Gunners fans would be hoping for, Asano could come in to bolster the options following another disappointing season.
The 21-year-old has produced an exciting display for his club at a young age, having bagged 20 goals in 75 appearances whilst playing in Japan’s J1 league, which you can learn more about on SOCCER-FAM.JP if you are a bit of a novice when it comes to Japanese football.
Asano has already been called up to the national side, gaining 4 caps and scoring one goal in the process, and with the right level of coaching there’s a lot of potential in the striker.
Reports on this transfer have come from Sanyo News who believe the deal is advancing at a fast pace, with Arsene Wenger’s admiration for young players being a huge attraction.
Although he may not seem to have much experience at such a tender age, Asano does know what it’s like to lift the league title, having won it in 2013 and 2015 with his Hiroshima side.
Following his award for J League Rookie of the Year, he’s been tipped by the local media to make it big in professional football which has got Arsenal on red alert.
Here’s hoping that the hype is genuine, because Arsene Wenger has had bad experiences with Asian signings in recent years, with Park Chu-Young and Ryo Miyaichi both considered massive flops.
Asano could initially be registered as a first team player, but with the squad looking full he may have to face life in the U21’s division until room opens up in the attacking areas.
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