Takuma Asano.

Not exactly a name on the lips of anyone outside of Japan, which leads you to wonder why Arsene Wenger has just signed the 21-year-old forward.

It would appear that Wenger sees the young forward as one for the future and not a player destined for the Premier League just yet. However, doubts have already been voiced over Arsenal's second signing of the summer.

According to the Daily Star, Japanese football journalist Koki Harada said: "Takuma is not an elite player, but is recognised as one the most talented players in Japan. To be honest, however, I don't know how much room he has left for growth or whether he will be able to adapt to the Premier League. He is not yet a very popular player in the country."

Wenger has gone on record as suggesting that Asano is a player of the future.

Talking on the Arsenal website, Wenger said: "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."

The youngster is destined for bigger things, as The Gunners weren't the only ones tracking the 21 year old. Signed from J-League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Asano made his international debut in August last year and has made five appearances. The forward is expected to be named in Japan’s squad for the Olympic Games in Rio.

The 21 year old helped his side to J-League titles in 2013 and 2015 and was named as the J-League “Rookie of the Year” in 2015.

With only eight starts in 57 appearances over four seasons, Wenger must have seen something in the player and in fairness to the Frenchman, he has a keen eye for promising talent.

Asano, whose transfer is subject to a medical, is expected to train with the first‑team squad and then be loaned out for next season. He becomes the third Japanese player to play under Wenger at Arsenal, following the midfielders Junichi Inamoto and Ryo Miyaichi.

Gunners fans should check out their new signing on the internet and get used to his claw -like goal celebrations. Nicknamed "the jJguar" due to his speed, the striker claws the air after scoring, something Arsenal hope to see a lot of in the future.

Although he won't be Wenger's first or second choice as striker, he will provide back-up cover should the need arise, especially as Arsenal missed out on Jamie Vardy this summer.

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']

[ad_pod id='arsenal-players' align='center']