Sanfrecce Hiroshima forward Takuma Asano recently confirmed that he had been approached by Premier League side Arsenal over a possible move to the Emirates Stadium next season. The Japan international is set to play for his country at the Olympics in August. In a friendly match against South Africa earlier this week, he told reporters:
"I was a little stunned.
"But I feel like I have the confidence to succeed wherever I go.’’
Wenger is hunting for the lethal forward after missing out on Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. Although Asano may not be the kind world-class forwards many fans of the Gunners would be wishing to have on their side at a time like this when their rivals are signing big names in football, the French boss seems to have some confidence in him. Here is everything you need to know about the new Arsenal target.
Takuma Asano’s factfile
- He was born in Komono, Mie, Japan on November 10, 1994 and is currently 21 years old.
- He joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2013 and has since scored 10 goals in 50 appearances
- He made his debut for the Japan senior national team in 2015 and scored one goal in four appearances
- He won the J1 League with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2013 and 2015
- With the same club, he also won the Japanese Super Cup in 2013, 2014 and 2016
- At the individual level, he won the Jupiter League Rookie of the Year award in 2015
- He has a total of 20 goals in 75 games in his entire career
The youngster could become the third Japanese to play for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. Other two Japanese players signed by the Frenchman include Junichi Inamoto in 2001 and Ryo Miyaichi in 2011.
