Agent officially confirms reason why third Arsenal signing announcement was delayed

Nigerian youngster Kelechi Nwakali has revealed on his Twitter and Facebook accounts that he was an Arsenal player last month, but the Nigerian’s commitment with the Nigerian Under 20’s team has meant any official announcement has been delayed.

In an interview with All Nigeria soccer via The Daily Star, the player’s agent and brother, Allwell Nwakali claimed that: “Any moment from now we will go to Arsenal, they can’t allow him go now because of the narrow victory in the [Afcon Under-20 qualifier] first leg against Sudan. We can’t betray the coach (Amuneke) because he has been helping us in the past…”

The 19-year-old was crowned the best player at the last FIFA Under 17 world Cup in Chile in 2015. He captained Nigeria in their successful bi-annual FIFA youth tournament, and reports suggest that the north Londoners have given the Nigerian international Kanu’s old number 25 shirt which could mean he might be part of the first team set up next term.

His dazzling footwork has meant that some Arsenal fans are already comparing him to his idol Nwankwo Kanu, I personally believe he has the potential to be as good as the Gunners captain Patrick Vieira. He can play as a box to box midfielder and as a defensive midfielder just like Vieira.

Nwakali chalked up 3 goals and an assist in 7 games in Nigeria’s U17’s World Cup win. He is an effective attacking player with pace, clever movement, brilliant technique and a quality finisher.

Whether Nwakali will feature in Wenger’s first team next season at 18, is yet to be seen.

Much to the Arsenal fans dismay, Swiss international Granit Xhaka remains Arsene Wenger’s only big money signing so far this summer, let’s hope for a few more before the season starts.

Published: 16th July 2016