Wenger is ‘absolutely convinced’ by new signing Asano

The Japanese have yet to take the Premier League by storm but Arsene Wenger believes he has landed a gem in Takuma Asano.

The forward has been snapped up by Arsenal from Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and will spend his first season on loan with Germany at VfB Stuttgart.

Despite the immense popularity of the Premier League in Japan, few have broken through – though Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki and Southampton’s Maya Yoshida are two notable exceptions to the rule.

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But Wenger – who managed in Japan with Nagoya Grampus Eight before moving to Arsenal – is in no doubt Asano has what it takes.

“What I see in him is the quality of his runs, his pace, his body strength and he is quite aggressive,” said Wenger.

“You do not find many players today who go behind the defenders at every opportunity.

“That is one of his strengths. I must say, I’m personally a strong believer in him, because by coincidence I met the national coach of Japan and he is absolutely convinced by him.”