Nakata in talks with Arsenal

Arsenal are touring the Far east at the moment and their representatives have met agents of Japanese star Hidetoshi Nakata to discuss a summer transfer.

Nakata played yesterday in Perugia's 2-1 home defeat to AC Milan that saw his side avoid relegation by a single point. He was linked with a £10 million move to manchester United last October and Atletico Madrid d have been the most recent club to express an interest. He starred in Japan's World Cup debut last summer and scored twice against champions Juventus in his first match in Italy.

The London club are looking for a creative midfielder and believe the Japanese star would do well in the Premiership. Any transfer fee would be offset by sponsorship and merchandising deals with Japanese companies as Nakata is their number one sporting hero. Television transmission deals and rights in the Far East alone could pay for any transfer to the Arsenal club who are hoping to have a £7 million offer accepted next month for the 23 year old.