Takuma Asano may not be getting the chance to impress Arsene Wenger in training but he can at least hope his debut goal on loan at VfB Stuttgart reminded the Arsenal manager why he parted with £2million in the summer.
Takuma managed to net the first goal of his time in Bundesliga 2 in Stuttgart’s 3-1 victory over local rivals Karlsruher SC, driving a low left-footed shot beyond the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
"I was delighted that I scored my first goal for VfB in this important game, "said Takuma.
"Beforehand I was very excited about the atmosphere in the derby. And it was really impressive.”
Arsenal stars out on loan this season
The Japanese international has started five of Stuttgart’s seven Bundesliga 2 games this season, often playing as a left-sided forward.
Stuttgart have the option of extending Takuma’s loan by a further season should the 21-year-old impress in the five-time German champions bid to return to the Bundesliga.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said of Takuma in September: “You do not find many players today who go behind the defenders at every opportunity.
"I’m personally a strong believer in him, because by coincidence after I bought him I met the national coach of Japan and he is absolutely convinced about him,” the Frenchman added.
