Takuma Asano says he still does not know whether he will play for Arsenal this season or go out on loan.
Asano, 21, is playing for Japan at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and scored in the team's opening 5-4 loss to Nigeria on Thursday. But the forward, who joined the Gunners from Sanfrecce Hiroshima last month, said his future is still unclear after the tournament.
"I'm still not sure if I'll actually play for Arsenal right away in the coming season, but definitely I'll try my best," Asano told FIFA.com ahead of the Olympics. "My motto is to give 100 percent for what's ahead of myself, so I just want to give my best to everything, whether it be for the Olympics or the new season."
Arsenal announced on July 3 that they had made Asano their second signing of the summer, although Arsene Wenger made it clear he views the striker as a prospect for the future who still needs time to develop.
That means he could be sent out on loan this season, especially since Wenger is on the market for an experienced striker.
Asano, who was relatively unknown in Europe before signing for the Gunners, said he initially was not sure whether to accept the move to the Emirates.
"I've always wanted to play abroad and I had a few offers before but I was never sure if I should go or not," Asano said. "Once I was called up for the top national team where there are a lot of players playing abroad. Playing with them made me think that I also want to play and challenge in a foreign league.
"And then I had the offer from Arsenal. Of course, I was still not sure whether to go or not. I talked with my family and friends and felt good about the decision after talking with them."