Nigeria U17 World Cup star Kelechi Nwakali is reportedly in London to complete his long anticipated move to Arsenal, with a five-year deal mooted.
Nwakali was a vital cog in his countries FIFA U17 World Cup win in Chile and was named player of the tournament that naturally caught the attention of a number of top level clubs.
A Nigerian academy boss thought to be close to the player confirmed the midfielder was on his way to the Emirates to complete the move, with a medical on the horizon with terms settled with the player.
“Kelechi Nwakali left for the United Kingdom yesterday with his brother Allwell to finally seal his deal with Arsenal,” CEO of ASJ Academy Emeka Amajiriaku told All Nigeria Soccer (via Express).
“Nwakali’s move to Arsenal is a done deal, a five-year deal has been agreed.”
Arsene Wenger confirmed a deal was close in late January for Nwakali and compatriot Samuel Chukwueze yet it has since faltered. “They are progressing well. I expect them to be done this month” The Frenchman told reporters (via Express).
“There are, of course, work permit issues, medical issues, but it is progressing well. We identified Nwakali after he won player of the tournament, he is a top player.”
“We will see if we can manage to get it over the line.”
It appears the visa issues have once again proven a sticky point, but perhaps the dust has finally settled for the talented youngster ahead of a career changing move to England.
With a number of promising starlets in Alex Iwobi and Christopher Willock making an impression on Arsene Wenger, Nwakali knows if he is good enough a chance to train with the first team is not outside the realm of possibility right off the bat.