Takuma Asano is set to return to Arsenal this summer, after Hannover 96 decided against activating the forward’s option to buy in his one-year loan deal.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JANUARY 26: Takuma Asano of Hannover reacts after their loss during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on January 26, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JANUARY 26: Takuma Asano of Hannover reacts after their loss during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on January 26, 2019, in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images)

On Sunday, Hannover confirmed on their club website that Asano would be among the group of players leaving this summer. The Bundesliga club had a €3m option to purchase the Arsenal man at the end of his loan, but they’ve decided not to take it up.

It’s been clear for a while that this would be the case. Asano only had to make one more appearance for a compulsory purchase clause to be activated, but Hannover deliberately left him out of the team for almost two months just to avoid that scenario.

The 24-year-old played a total of 15 games for the relegated German side, scoring once and winning a penalty in 851 minutes on the pitch. Unfortunately, the loan just didn’t go well.

The Japanese international only has a year left on his Arsenal contract, so he’s likely to move on now, assuming the Gunners can find a buyer. You don’t imagine the club will extend his deal, nor are they going to give him a chance in the first team, so leaving is the only real option.

For now, Asano will return to Arsenal, until his situation is resolved this summer.