Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto, released by English Premier League champion Arsenal at the end of June, has reached a basic agreement on a transfer to London rival Fulham, soccer sources claimed Thursday.
Officials of Fulham, Inamoto and J. League club Gamba Osaka, which holds the rights to the playmaker, reached the agreement in three-way talks.
Fulham is expected to make an announcement regarding the transfer on July 19 even though issues such as a medical examination for Inamoto and a working permit in England remain pending.
The 22-year-old will have a one-year trial with Fulham before the move is completed with a three-year contract. Gamba Osaka will receive $4.5 million for the transfer while Inamoto's salary will be an estimated $400,000 a year.
The previous deal concluded last July between Arsenal and Gamba Osaka allows the J. League team to have the right to Inamoto from July 1 until the 22-year-old signs with another European club.
Sources close to Inamoto say he conveyed to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger his wish to leave Arsenal in a bid to gain more time on the pitch after a disappointing first season in Europe.