Arsenal transfer rumour: Gunners hopeful of completing deal in signing Japanese striker Takuma Asano

Arsenal are closing in on completing a deal in signing Japanese striker Takuma Asano in the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old is currently plying his trade with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the J1 League outfit in his homeland.

According to the Mirror, the Gunners are keen on completing the deal in the next few days as Arsene Wenger has set his sights on strengthening his side's strike force for the 2016/17 season.

He is in the market for a striker as he is left with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott as the only two recognised strikers in the squad, following Danny Welbeck's injury. The former Manchester United man is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Wenger remains hopeful of sealing the deal for Asano, who is a full Japanese international. He is considered as one of the brightest prospects of his country and his signing will be one for the future at the Emirates.

Asano has already confirmed the north London club have made an approach for his services. However, the striker is aware that it is unlikely that he will get regular playtime and has opened the door for a loan move away from Arsenal, if he completes his switch to the Premier League.

"I was a little stunned. But I feel like I have the confidence to succeed wherever I go. If I am loaned elsewhere, my take on it is that I give it 100 percent," Asano said, as quoted by the Evening Standard.

Arsenal were keen on signing Leicester City star Jamie Vardy to bolster their attacking division. The striker was one of the key players for Claudio Ranieri's title-winning side last season and his form attracted interest from the Gunners, who triggered his release clause.

The England international snubbed a chance to join the Premier League runners-up and signed a new deal in order to continue at the King Power Stadium. With Asano's potential switch to England, he is unlikely to be the only new striker to arrive at the Emirates this summer as Wenger is in the market for a quality striker.