Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker Takuma Asano, a source close to the Premier League club has told ESPN FC.

Asano, 21, said on Thursday that the Gunners have been in contact with him over a move to the Emirates Stadium.

And, amid reports in the Japanese media that a bid has been made for the Japan international, a source says Arsenal are hoping to secure his services.

Arsenal would be looking to bring in Asano with an eye on the future, and he would likely be loaned out next season to gain more experience.

Takuma Asano could be on his way to the Premier League. Masashi Hara/Getty Images

"If I am loaned elsewhere, my take on it is that I give it 100 percent," Asano is quoted as saying by Kyodo News on Thursday.

"I was a little stunned [about the interest]. But I feel like I have the confidence to succeed wherever I go."

Nicknamed "The Jaguar," Asano helped Sanfrecce win the Japanese J League title in 2015 by scoring nine goals in 34 appearances, while he has played four games for Japan and scored once.