Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Ryo Miyaichi has impressed him enough during pre-season to convince him to include the winger in his senior squad for the new season.
The 20-year-old has been loaned out by Wenger to the likes of Feyenoord and Bolton Wanderers in previous seasons, and he was expected to be shipped out again in order to gain more first-team experience.
However, following a 45-minute spell in the Gunners' 2-1 win over the Urawa Red Diamonds this afternoon, Wenger believes that Miyaichi is good enough to stay with his current crop of players.
"He's done well tonight, he was sharp and better than the other night already. He's in the team. I like his play," Wenger told reporters.
"I believe that he is in a position now where he needs to play, to have a good chance to compete at the top level. At the moment he stays in the squad.
"If we should buy more players, I have to reassess the situation. At the moment, he stays with us."
Arsenal's first Premier League game of the new season sees them host Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on August 17.
