Takuma Asano will spend next season on loan with Stuttgart after failing to qualify for a work permit.

It’s also another step in his development, as the striker will remain part of the team that won promotion to the Bundesliga last season.

The 22 year scored four goals and got four assists throughout the campaign, where he was often played in midfield rather than up front.

Stuttgart’s Sporting Director Jan Schindelmeiser said, “Takuma Asano will play with us next season. We have discussed this with him, his advisers and Arsenal.”

The Japanese international joined the Gunners last summer from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and another season of adaptation to European football will do him some good.

Whether he develops sufficiently to challenge for a place at Arsenal remains to be seen, but good luck to him.