Takuma Asano contacted VfB Stuttgart head of sport Michael Reschke to try and secure a transfer to Portugal this month, according to reports.

Stuttgarter Nachrichten write that Portimonense S.C. want to sign the Japanese international.

They claim the two clubs don’t have an agreement, but the Arsenal loanee reportedly requested Stuttgart let him leave.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Portimonense will soon present Asano as their new signing. The German publication denies things are that advanced.

Unfortunately, the striker’s second year with the club on loan from Arsenal isn’t going well.

The 23-year-old still hasn’t made it to double figures for starts this season, with just nine so far.

Asano has scored one goal and assisted another in those starts, which probably explains why they aren’t selecting him. Playing as a centre-forward or a winger you need to contribute to the goals more than that.

Portimonense are 13th in the Primeira Liga, and haven’t won a match since late November. They’re probably more willing to take a gamble on someone like Asano as a result.

If a loan spell is going as badly as Asano’s, it’s always worth trying a new club before you write the player off.

Stephy Mavididi had an average-at-best loan with Preston North End, but he’s been fantastic with Charlton so far.

Hopefully the former Sanfrecce Hiroshima man can rediscover his form at a new club in the same way.