Arsenal has agreed to a deal in principle to sign young Japanese forward Takuma Asano from Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

The transfer of the 21-year-old Japan international is subject to the completion of a medical and regulatory processes, reports the Arsenal website.

A number of clubs were interested in signing Asano but the Gunners have beaten off stiff competition to agreed terms with J1 League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he is looking forward to Asano’s professional growth as a footballer after impressing during his time in Japan.

‘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,’ Wenger said.

The 21-year-old made his international debut for Japan in August last year and has made five appearances. The forward is expected to be named in Japan’s squad for the Rio Olympic Games.

The former Yokkaichi forward signed for Sanfrecce Hiroshima as an 18-year-old in January 2013 and enjoyed great success with the J-League side, scoring 11 goals from 56 appearances for the club.

During his time in the J-League, Asano won the J1 League title in 2013 and 2015, the Japanese Super Cup in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and was voted J-League ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2015.

Image: Arsenal website