Arsenal are on the verge of completing the deal for Japanese striker Takuma Asano, who has admitted he’s surprised by the Gunners interest.
Fresh Arsenal recently reported that the 21-year-old would soon make the switch to the Emirates following an impressive stint in Japan’s top-tier.
Still don’t know who he is? Well, Asano was awarded Rookie Player of the Year in 2015, and has since gone on to make his international debut with four caps and one goal on his shoulders for Japan.
Although this might not be the headline signing some Arsenal fans were looking for, they can relax as this will not be a big money move, and Asano is likely to be sent out on loan.
Early comments from Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones suggest that the youngster will be drafted in to train with the first team and then sent out on loan to get a feel for English football.
After the news broke earlier this week, Asano was quick to comment on the approach from Arsene Wenger, stating that he is happy to work with the managers decisions in order to achieve a move to England.
I was a little stunned.
But I feel like I have the confidence to succeed wherever I go.
If I am loaned elsewhere, my take on it is that I give it 100%.
Arsenal close to signing Japan forward Takuma Asano. Will train with 1st team but expected to be loaned out.
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) July 1, 2016
He certainly looks like a player who is ready to cut out academy football and get straight into first team action, it would be great to see him find a move to a Championship side to gain minutes.
Wenger is likely to begin his plan to leave this club in a good position from this season, and players like Asano will be vital in setting up a decent squad for the near future.
We’ll make sure we keep up to date with all of the latest information on Asano’s move to the Gunners, so follow us on Twitter to be the first in the know!