Arsenal have finally got around to announcing Takuma Asano’s departure from the club even though his move was complete before the end of July.

A statement on the Arsenal website was brief. There isn’t really much to add when you think about it.

“Takuma Asano has joined Serbian Super Liga side Partizan Belgrade,” they wrote

“The 24-year-old Japanese international striker joined Arsenal from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in July 2016. He moved to second tier Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on loan, where he remained until the end of the 2017/18 season.

“In August 2018 he joined fellow 2 Bundesliga side Hannover 96.

“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Takuma the best for his future.”

Succinct.

Asano arrived at Arsenal in 2016 for the sum of £3.5m but was never able to make a competitive appearance for the first team.

Arsenal will reportedly receive £1m paid over three years from Partizan Belgrade.

He was out of contract with Arsenal next season and, even if Arsene Wenger had still been at the club it’s hard to see how they could have justified renewing it beyond trying to protect their investment.

As it stands, it’s probably best for everybody that the ties were cut now.