[Carson35]

Atalanta snatch Arsenal's Inamoto Sunday 9 June, 2002

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It is claimed that Atalanta are closing in on a deal for Japanese international Junichi Inamoto.

The 22-year-old has impressed in the 2002 World Cup, but has struggled to find first team football at Arsenal this season.

The Gunners¡¦ option on the midfielder ¡V still co-owned by Gamba Osaka ¡V expired on June 7.

Italian newspapers report that the contract had a clause stipulating that if Arsenal did not take up that option, then Inamoto would automatically move to Atalanta.

As one Japanese player touches down in Serie A, another is set to head in the other direction.

It¡¦s believed that Hidetoshi Nakata (pictured) will leave Parma after just one season in order to join Arsenal, Manchester United or Liverpool.

channel4

 

[Carson35]

Monday, June 17, 2002
Fulham head the queue for Inamoto
By Leo Spall

Fulham are leading the chase to sign Japan World Cup star and former Arsenal misfit Junichi Inamoto.

Inamoto: World Cup star
(ShaunBotterill/Allsport)
Club executives have made contact with representatives of the 22-year-old, and are confident of recruiting him provided his wage demands are not too high.

J-League club Gamba Osaka claim they still hold Inamoto's registration, and that he is available on loan - with a ? million option to buy after a year.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger decided to let the midfielder go last month - since when Inamoto has been a revelation for Japan at the World Cup finals, scoring twice, and winning two man-of-the-match awards as the cohosts qualified for the knockout stages for the first time.

Inamoto, speaking about his time at Highbury, said: 'I thought I had the qualities to make it in England. It is very physical, but I can cope. I always gave 100 per cent but other players were on a much higher level.'

Meanwhile, Charlton will not be signing the out-of-contract Ireland defender Gary Breen despite his impressive displays at the World Cup. Chairman Richard Murray said of reported interest in the former Coventry player: 'We have several good central defenders, and are not looking to add to them.'

soccernet

 

[Carson35]

i heard that feyernoord is interested in inamoto...ono plays for feyenoord...inamoto might be interested to join them...

 

[Carson35]

a serie A club perugia have already made an official contact with inamoto...

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Perugia Make Official Offer For Inamoto
News Archive

Serie A looks Inamoto's most likely destination
06/24/2002. Perugia have made an official bid for Arsenal midfielder Junichi Inamoto according to the player's agent Nobuaki Tanabe.

"Perugia are the only club that has sent an official offer," he said before stating that there's been unofficial interest from Fulham and Atalanta.

It remains to be seen exactly where the Japanese international will be playing his football next season, but it seems almost certain that he'll be leaving Highbury.

PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord have also expressed an interest in the player.

soccerage

 

[Carson35]

Inamoto Agrees Fulham Switch According To Reports
News Archive

A short move across London looks to be on the cards (Allsport)
07/11/2002. Juninchi Inamoto has agreed to join Fulham according to reports from the Far East.

The Arsenal midfielder, who played for Japan during WC2002, failed to start a single league game for the Gunners last season and according to news agency Kyodo, has agreed to sign for Fulham.

The West London side are less open about things and a spokesman said, "No deal has been done as yet."

soccerage