Ranking Arsenal’s summer signings

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal before a training session at London Colney on October 31, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal before a training session at London Colney on October 31, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Takuma Asano the new Arsenal signing has a photoshoot at London Colney on July 19th, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Takuma Asano the new Arsenal signing has a photoshoot at London Colney on July 19th, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Takuma Asano

Now, in terms of the actual ranking, this was an easy choice as the player who has made the least impact. This is not a knock on Japanese forward Takuma Asano but more a statement of fact. After signing with Arsenal in July, the 21-year old was denied a work permit.

The striker has displayed promising talent and a strong potential future at the Emirates. Asano has been loaned out to VfB Stuttgart for the 2016-17 season with an option for one more year afterwards.

Asano joined J-League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima as a teenager and made a strong impression within a talented squad. He was very much a part of the reserves during his first season but began to contribute more with each passing campaign.

Asano brings impressive pace and a quality scoring touch. The youngster has already earned seven caps with the Japanese national team and seems comfortable in a variety of positions. His ability to line up centrally and on the wing is an element of Asano’s game that will particularly please Arsene Wenger.

Often used as a winger thus far in the German second division, Asano has registered a goal and an assist with a Stuttgart side amongst the favourites for promotion to the Bundesliga. Continuing to play on a strong squad in a quality league will only see Asano’s skills sharpen before he makes an impact on Arsenal.