Its a mixed feeling in North London currently as Arsenal fans show indifference concerning the club's new signing from Japan who is yet to establish himself on the world sporting map.
Takuma Asano
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign the 21-year-old Japanese striker, Takuma Asano from the J-League club, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Asano made his full international debut for Japan last August and has since gone on to make five appearances for his country. The forward is expected to be named in the Japan squad for the Rio Olympics later this summer.
“Takuma is a talented young striker and very much one for the future,” said the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger. “He has had an impressive start to his career in Japan and we look forward to him developing over the next couple of years.”
The forward boosts Arsenal’s attacking options after their pursuit of the Leicester City striker, Jamie Vardy ended in failure.
Although considered as one for the future, Asano, whose transfer is subject to the completion of a medical, is expected to train with Arsenal’s first-team squad. Asano becomes the third Japanese player to play under Wenger at Arsenal, following midfielders Junichi Inamoto and Ryo Miyaichi.
This move has been trailed by criticisms on social media following high expectations of fans who wanted a big name in the club.