Takuma Asano was the hero on the day for Japan as they produced a shock victory in their World Cup opener against a Germany side that took the lead through an Ilkay Gundogan penalty. Once the Japanese substitute scored, Arsenal’s faithful around the world were perhaps doing something of a double take and asking, “Is that who I think it is?”
The answer is "Yes!” That is indeed the former Japanese young star that Arsene Wenger brought in to Arsenal from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2016. Now 28 years of age, Asano has found his feet playing for Vfl Bochum in the Bundesliga.
But what exactly happened with Asano and why didn’t it work out at Arsenal, and further, how did a player producing brilliant touches and finishes in the 2022 World Cup not even make an appearance for Arsenal? football.london looks into the forward to find out why.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s midfield January signing backed after question marks over Emile Smith Rowe’s future
Problems began from the start as in 2016, the year he arrived, he was refused a work permit. In response, Arsenal sent Asano out on loan to the Bundesliga with Stuttgart who, at the time, were in the German second tier.
He made 26 appearances and scored four goals in the 2.Bundesliga. However small his contribution he helped the side earn a promotion and the German club wanted to further the loan move for their return season in the top tier.
Despite featuring regularly at the start of the 2017/18 season, after matchday 17 Asano didn’t make another appearance for Stuttgart and was on the bench just four times in the second half of the season.
With work permit issues continuing to be a problem, Asano joined Hannover for his final year as an Arsenal player. However, he was unable to make enough of an impact and his side were relegated that season.
Asano’s Arsenal career actually ended up outlasting Arsene Wenger. It was under Unai Emery’s management that his time with the club came to an end and he left on a permanent move to Partizan Belgrade for around £1 million meaning Arsenal lost in the region of £2.5 million on the move.
22 goals in 56 games for the Serbian side earned him a return to Europe’s elite leagues with Bochum in 2021. He has missed most of the current season due to a knee injury but he managed to play in Japan’s warm-up game against Canada and then came on in today’s win over Germany with quite the impact.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal World Cup latest with Saka's Golden Boot surprise, Saliba blow and Turner denied by Bale
Mikel Arteta's key role in Pep Guardiola Man City renewal as Arsenal rivalry is set up
New Bukayo Saka price revealed after Arsenal star shines at World Cup amid Edu contract decision
The games Arsenal defender will miss as injury is confirmed to disrupt 'shining light' loan deal
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
