Takuma Asano will spend another season with Stuttgart after he was once again denied a work permit to stay with Arsenal.

  • Asano joined Arsenal from Sanfrecce Hirsohima last summer
  • He was loaned out to 2. Bundesliga side Stuttgart
  • He’ll play in the Bundesliga next season 

Asano signed for the Gunners from Sanfrecce Hiroshima last summer but was immediately loaned out to Stuttgart due to failing to secure a work permit.

The Japanese international had a good season in Germany, playing 27 times for Stuttgart as they secured promotion to the Bundesliga.

However, it wasn’t enough for him to get a work permit to play in England so he will remain with Stuttgart.

As reported by the Daily Star, Stuttgart’s sporting director Jan Schindelmeiser said: “Takuma will play with us next season. We have discussed this with him, his advisers and Arsenal.”

While Asano’s Arsenal career has yet to get started, Arsene Wenger remains confident he’ll be a good signing that could soon contribute to the squad.

“What I see in him is the quality of his runs, his pace, his body strength and he is quite aggressive,” he said.

“You do not find many players today who go behind the defenders at every opportunity. That is one of his strengths.

“I must say, I’m personally a strong believer in him, because by coincidence I met the national coach of Japan and he is absolutely convinced by him.”

There’s hope for Asano as the likes of Carlos Vela and Joel Campbell spent several years out on loan before eventually returning to play for Arsenal.

Another good season in Germany, where he will now play against the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, will hopefully help his development and give him vital experience.