Inamoto to leave Gunners?

The 22-year-old Japanese international has yet to break into The Gunners' star-studded midfield on a regular basis, and there are claims that Arsene Wenger is ready to listen to offers, despite buying him for £4 million only last summer.

A return to Gamba Osaka could be on the cards, if the reports are to be believed, despite Inamoto having a over three years left on his contract with the club.

When Wenger bought him last year, the French manager lauded his new signing by saying: "I think Inamoto is good enough - it is up to him how quickly he adapts over here.

"I am very confident about the signings - it was a very busy summer for many reasons. Finally, I am happy because we can keep the players we want to keep and sign the players for a reasonable price."

Indeed, Wenger had tried to line up a Japanese midfield of Hidetoshi Nakata, who eventually moved on to Parma, and Inamoto.

He confirmed: "I was interested in Nakata, but that does not mean I was not interested in Inamoto at the same time.

"I always believe that having two players from the same country can make it easier for both of them to settle down."

Inamoto has only played in two Worthington Cup matches, both times he was substituted, and at the end of the Champions League game with Schalke 04 in September. 

Speculation in Wednesday's newspapers also indicates that a move for Mark van Bommel is subject to Wenger freeing up as much capital as possible, with Edu another player rumoured to be leaving Highbury.