Standard Sport write that a move is now close, with Arsenal preparing to sanction a third loan in three years for the player. James Benge wrote on Twitter that the “deal could be confirmed soon”. To further add credence to the story, Hannover’s club president also spoke to the media about the temporary transfer.

“We will loan him for a year,” Martin Kind said. “The sporting hierarchy have positive judgements over him.”

Asano had a pretty terrible time with Stuttgart this year. After an encouraging first season, where he generally played well without scoring many goals, things just got worse in his second campaign.

The 23-year-old made 18 appearances for the first team in 2017/18, the last of which came in December 2017. He scored one goal and provided one assist in total, and only made the squad four times in 2018.

Dropping down to the Stuttgart second team, he scored once and assisted once in two appearances. It wasn’t enough to get him another first team opportunity though.

Given Asano’s performances at club level and the fact he isn’t getting international call ups anymore, there’s no way he’d get a work permit for Arsenal this year. A loan is the only option, other than selling, so at least they’ve found a club that wants him.

To check out our evaluation of all Arsenal’s loanees this season, click ‘Next’