Arsenal make Takuma Asano their second summer signing

Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to sign Japanese forward Takuma Asano this summer and will confirm the transfer after the completion of his medical and other regulatory issues. This is Arsenal's second signing of the summer, having previously concluded a deal for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Ganit Xhaka.

Asano will not be available for the start of the Gunners season as he would be travelling with the Japan national team for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He debut for the national side in 2015 and has made five appearances, scoring a solitary goal in the process. Asano joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima as an 18-year-old in January 2013 and has been a revelation for the J-League side, making 56 appearances and scoring 11 goals.

"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 told the club's official website. Takuma has won the J-League title twice, in 2013 and 2015 and was awarded the "Rookie of the Year" award in 2015.

The deal comes after the Gunners were snubbed in their approach for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who signed a new deal with the Champions after the Gunners activated his release clause. The Leicester man scored 24 goals last season and was selected to be part of Roy Hodgson's squad for the Euros, where he had to make do with a solitary goal.

"I think Leicester have made a statement and Vardy will stay. We were on the case and interested, but not more than that. He has decided to stay at Leicester and good luck to him," Wenger told beIn Sports after the announcement.

"He came late to the game and in fairness Leicester bought him from Fleetwood and he has been successful. He is 29 and he has chosen to stay at Leicester. You have to respect that."