Takuma Asano to Arsenal: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction

Arsenal have confirmed they have a deal in principle to sign Japanese forward Takuma Asano from J-League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The club made the announcement via their official site. 

It's a deal that is still "subject to the completion of a medical and regulatory processes," before being officially confirmed, according to the same report.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger hailed the 21-year-old's potential: “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.”

However, the north London side will have to wait to see how quickly Asano develops, with the Guardian confirming he is expected "to be named in the Japan squad for the Rio Olympics later this summer."

The Guardian also revealed Asano will "train with Arsenal’s first-team squad," perhaps a sign of how quickly Wenger is expecting the attacker to make the grade.

Taking a punt on a striker who, by his own admission, Wenger expects to make an impact in the future, is unlikely to be viewed as an ideal tonic for a Gunners squad with a more immediate need for quality up front.

Target man Olivier Giroud is too static for the fast-paced, attractive football Wenger wants. Meanwhile, Theo Walcott is inconsistent and Danny Welbeck has experienced major injury problems.

What Wenger needs is pace, a quality Asano, dubbed "The Jaguar," can offer. Goal.com's Stephen Crawford explained as much, while also easing concerns about Asano's physical stature:

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It could be argued that his relatively small height of 1.71m (5ft 7in) will be a hindrance given the physical nature of the Premier League, but what he lacks in stature he makes up for in balance and power. A good interpreter of space, Asano's off-the-ball positioning is also a plus - and gives managers options when it comes tactical reshuffling.

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Wenger is rolling the dice on potential, something that hasn't always endeared him to Arsenal fans. But if the gamble pays off, taking a chance on Asano will look like a masterstroke.