Inamoto set for Fulham talks - Japanese paper

Updated: Friday June 28, 2002 03:47 a.m. ET

YOKOHAMA, Japan, June 28 (Reuters) - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto, recently released by English champions Arsenal, could be on his way to premier league rivals Fulham, Japanese newspapers reported on Friday.

Inamoto, who was told he was surplus to requirements at Arsenal earlier this month, could agree to move across London as early as next week for a fee of around $4.2 million, according to the Nikkan Sports.

Italian clubs Perugia and Atalanta have already expressed interest in signing the 22-year-old, who scored two goals at the World Cup as co-hosts Japan reached the second round in their second trip to the finals.

But Inamoto, who joined Arsenal from J-League club Gamba Osaka for $5.85 million last July, has indicated that he would prefer to stay in England.

"We asked Inamoto if he wanted to return to Gamba Osaka for a year and then start afresh overseas but he wants to play abroad (this year), so we have no right to stand in his way," a Gamba official was quoted as saying.

The Sankei Sports also reported that Fulham, who are managed by former France international Jean Tigana, are Inamoto's preferred choice.

Inamoto did not play a single premier league match for Arsenal and was limited to two appearances in the League Cup and two games as substitute in the Champions League.

Fans at Highbury even nicknamed him "T-shirt" for the merchandising revenue he earned Arsenal in the Far East.

But Inamoto increased his market value by scoring in the 2-2 draw with Belgium and the winner in the 1-0 victory over Russia in the World Cup. Japan went on to beat Tunisia 2-0 and finish top of group H.

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