Fulham join Junichi race

The midfielder will become available in July, due to Arsenal`s decision not to take up their option to turn his season-long stay into a permanent arrangement, and his efforts at the World Cup led to a scrum of teams expressing interest.

J-League outfit Gamba Osaka still have his registration, and the player is set to talk with his club in the near future in a bid to clarify his future.

Inamoto, who scored twice as he raised his stock at the World Cup, favours a return to Europe and a host of clubs from the major leagues have expressed interest, according to his agent.

Nobuaki Tanabe, who represents the midfield ace, said: "There has been a lot of interest in Junichi.

"Fulham, Feyenoord and Atalanta are all monitoring his situation, but the only true offer that is on the table is from Perugia."

Fulham have been linked with a glut of players following the arrival of Franco Baresi as director of football, but the majority have been Italian.

The Cottagers won a lot of fans in their first season in The Premiership, but their downfall was a lack of conviction in front of goal.

Inamoto has proved his eye for goal at the World Cup, and his dynamic style of play would be a welcome addition to Jean Tigana`s squad.

Despite the reported interest from West London, it would seem that Perugia are still in the driving seat.

Perugia recently struck a deal with car giant Toyota, with club president Luciano Gaucci revealing a clause in the contract that states a Japanese player will arrive at Stadio Renato Curi.

The rumours at the time of the deal stated that Inamoto was the player in question, although all parties have yet to break their silence on this.

In the meantime, other clubs are still circling and Inamoto will not be short of options this summer.