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LONDON. — Arsenal have completed a deal for Japanese prospect Takuma Asano. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a fan of the 21-year-old and after short negotiations has got his man. Asano is already a full Japanese international and was a regular for Sanfreece Hiroshima as well as being regarded as one of the country’s best prospects. Wenger added: “Takuma is a talented young striker and very much one for the future.

“He has had an impressive start to his career in Japan and we look forward to him developing over the next couple of years.”

This deal is one for the future with Arsenal in the market for a top striker after being turned down by Jamie Vardy who opted to sign a new deal at Leicester. Wenger has met with the representatives of Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette but the French club want in excess of £40million, which is way above Arsenal’s valuation.

The Asano signing will be welcomed by Gunners fans, but most will still expect another major addition up front. The 21-year-old, who made his senior international debut in 2015, has proved a big success in his homeland since making his club debut at the age of 18. — The Mirror.