Takuma Asano leaves Arsenal: Japan striker joins Partizan Belgrade

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Tom Doyle4 August 2019

Arsenal have confirmed that Takuma Asano has been sold to Partizan Belgrade.

Asano, 24, signed for the Gunners from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in July 2016, and was immediatedly loaned to VfB Stuttgart for the 2017-18 season.

The Japan international then joined Hannover 96 for the following campaign, but has now left Arsenal on a permanent basis having never played a professional game for the Gunners.

A statement on Arsenal's website read: "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Takuma the best for his future.

"The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes."

Getty Images

Asano's chances at Arsenal were always limited given the competition for attacking position, and Unai Emery heads into the new season with plenty of options following the club-record £72million signing of Nicolas Pepe.

The Gunners are also hoping to strengthen in defence, with Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney still a target.

Emery is also seeking cover at centre-back with William Saliba not joining the club until next summer, while the fate of both Laurent Kosciely and Shkodran Mustafi remains unclear.

In Pictures | Nicolas Pepe in Arsenal training | 02/08/2019

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