£4m Inamoto ends Wenger spree

David Bond, Deputy Political Editor @djbond6873

13 April 2012

Arsene Wenger completed the signing of Japan's Junichi Inamoto today and then revealed his summer spending spree is over.

Following the signings of Sol Campbell, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Richard Wright and Francis Jeffers the midfielder became the first Japanese player to sign for a Premiership club after he sealed his £4 million move from J League side Gamba Osaka this morning.

Wenger said: "I think he is our last signing of the summer, and he is a good one. I am 95 per cent certain. I look in my pockets and there's nothing in there.

"It's been a busy summer but finally I am happy because we have kept the players we wanted and we have signed players, in my opinion, for a reasonable price in the positions we wanted.

"I believe Inamoto is an intelligent player, he is young and he is one of the players in Japan with the physical strengths to compete in the Premier League."

The Patrick Vieira saga also took a new turn today with Arsenal claiming the French international will be staying at the club and honouring his contract which runs out in 2004.

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein said: "Patrick will be respecting his contract at Arsenal and he is looking forward to a very successful season with us.

"As far as we are concerned, that's the end of the matter."

Wenger hinted that Inamoto, 21, who has signed for four years, could figure alongside Vieira in midfield.

While Wenger, who has experience of coaching in Japanese football with Nagoya Grampus Eight, believes Inamoto will add depth to his squad the club will also have one eye on the commercial benefits he will bring.

His signing is certain to create massive interest back in Japan ahead of next year's World Cup, being cohosted by Japan and South Korea.

Wenger added: "It's an area that's not been exploited yet. As we move towards a more open world and universal football I can see several players coming here from Asia."

Inamoto revealed he wasn't aware of his new club's rich footballing traditions but said he was looking forward to learning about them.

He said: "I have never lived abroad before so it's really exciting. It's a great challenge for me.

"It's a great feeling and it's a great relief to be here. I don't know a great deal about Arsenal yet but I can't wait to learn."

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£4m Inamoto ends Wenger spree

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