Ryo Miyaichi will fly into London next month and put pen to paper on a five year contract with Arsenal. The deal brings to a close a whirlwind few months for the 18-year-old, in which a dream move to England appeared on, then off.

Miyaichi came to prominence playing in the Japanese school system, as he combined studies with regular run outs for the Chuyko High School team. He was handed a scholarship with the University but was soon on the move, as Asian scouts passed on details of the winger and a switch to Europe was on the cards.

In 2009 German outfit FC Köln invited Ryo to train with their youth team for two weeks. The youngster impressed but despite his six foot frame, concerns were there that physically he was far behind the rest of their Academy, so returned to Japan. A speedy left winger, who is comfortable with both feet and full of tricks and skills, Miyaichi was called up to the Japan Under 17 team in the summer following try outs.

The then 17-year-old featured mainly a substitute as his side went out in the group stages. Agents and scouts continued to keep track of his progress and in August, Ajax asked Ryo to join them on trial and play a fixture for their youth team. Arsenal were also recommended the prospect and jumped the queue, bringing the unknown midfielder in for training with the Reserves.

Neil Banfield was suitably impressed and handed him a start against Boreham Wood in pre-season. Arsène Wenger, Ivan Gazidis, Steve Rowley and Pat Rice were all present as the prospect left a firm statement on the Gunners before going off on the hour mark. A further run out against AFC Wimbledon saw a tired Miyaichi struggle but he continued to leave an impression in training.

Arsenal remained interested but he headed to Ajax and began training there. The management were also keen on Ryo and started him against lowly SVV Scheveningen. However, minutes into the match he was victim of a horror tackle and left the field with a broken fibula. Both clubs ended their interest and Ryo returned to Japan.

Chuyko High School had their doctors look over the prospect and it was quickly decided the injury wasn’t as bad as first feared, with it being weeks rather than months out. Arsenal and Ajax were faxed documents and then both clubs made offers. Ryo agreed on the former, although admitted it was a tough decision.

On transfer deadline day, Arsenal thrashed out a pre-contract arrangement, as reported first on Young Guns. Miyaichi’s scholarship with the Chuyko High School expires at the end of December. However, he will perform for them at the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament before heading to London for the second half of the season.

Arsenal are believed to have already won a work permit for Ryo, although neither party has confirmed this. Miyaichi is expected to go straight into Neil Banfield’s Reserve team as they continue their hunt for the Premier Reserve League trophy.