This story first appeared in the August edition of the Arsenal Magazine.
Takuma Asano is a young man in a hurry. The 21-year-old Japanese forward, who joined the Gunners last month, has won two J.League titles in his three years at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, yet he knew that to reach the level he aspires to he had to play abroad – and when Arsenal came calling he jumped at the chance.
Although it’s highly likely Takuma will initially be sent out on loan to gain experience of the European game, Arsène Wenger is in no doubt about his ability.