CHELSEA LOOKING TO ADD JAPAN INTERNATIONAL English Premier League leaders Chelsea are in the process of recruiting a Japan international. The London club's move to add an Asian footballer to Jose Mourinho's senior squad coincides with its recently agreed shirt sponsorship deal with Yokohama Rubber. Mourinho is on board with the decision to sign a Japanese player and it is understood the manager will include the new recruit in Chelsea's preseason preparations before deciding whether he forms a part of their full Premier League squad, or is sent out on loan to obtain more playing time in Europe.
Yokohama Rubber's contract with Chelsea is worth a basic £200million over its five-year term.
According to sources in Japan, the multinational tire manufacturer has welcomed Chelsea's decision to recruit from the J.League, believing it will allow Yokohama to extract additional value from the agreement in Asia. Chelsea – who are also exploring the possibility of a postseason tour of Japan – are confident that Asia's strongest domestic league is worth exploring in its own right.
The club has been scouting Japan national team players, including FC Tokyo's 22-year-old forward Yoshinori Muto, but is yet to conclude any deal. Six Japanese footballers have appeared in the Premier League. Junichi Inamoto, who was signed by Arsene Wenger ahead of the 2002 World Cup and subsequently played in England's top tier for Fulham and West Bromwich Albion.
Kazuyuki Toda played four games for Tottenham in the 2002-03 season, while Hidetoshi Nakata called an early halt to what was once a stellar career after a depressing year chasing long balls at Bolton Wanderers.
Shinji Kagawa won the Premier League title in his first season at Manchester United, but was sold back to Borussia Dortmund in August.
Ryo Miyaichi joined Arsenal from high school in January 2011 and is currently at FC Twente after previous loan spells at Bolton and Wigan Athletic.
Maya Yoshida has made 57 Premier League appearances during his three campaigns at Southampton, who recently extended the central defender's contract until 2018.
http://www.oneworldsports.com/stories/chelsea-looking-add-japan-international [ 此帖被羅力亞在2015-04-09 20:16重新編輯 ]