The Japanese midfielder was a signing aimed at cracking the Asian market, if ever there was one. If Diawara's Arsenal career was short and sweet then Inamoto's was even more so. He made a grand total of two appearances in his stint at the club. It was clear from the beginning that this was signing was more to do with commercial aspects than playing ones. The diminutive midfielder didn't look comfortable in England from the off and Wenger obviously didn't fancy him. He was swiftly shipped out after one season and turned up at both Fulham and West Brom where he failed to make any further head way, even being loaned to Cardiff City in the Championship. Inamoto enjoyed considerably more success for the Japan national side, gaining 83 caps for his country and winning the 2000 Asian Cup as well as appearing at three World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010).
