Arsenal confirm striker return to Germany

Arsenal have confirmed that Japan international Takuma Asano will be heading back to Stuttgart for another loan stint after he was denied a permit to play in the UK.

The former Sanfrecce Hiroshima forward joined the Gunners last summer with Arsene Wenger considering him a future prospect for the club.

Asano had therein linked up Stuttgart, who were in the German second tier as he had not qualified for a work permit due to his reduced international exposure.

The 22-year-old notched four goals and four assists in his debut campaign in European football while helping Stuttgart to Bundesliga promotion.

Both clubs agreed on a clause last year which would enable Asano to remain at Stuttgart, should they clinch promotion with the player still under consideration for a UK visa.

Arsenal have now confirmed that the young striker has rejoined Stuttgart for a second straight year after the UK authorities judged that the player had not played enough to gain a permit.