Arsenal fans come in here! MVV Maastricht forward, Kelechi Nwakali believes that Nigeria has the most Arsenal fans in the world because of one of it’s club legends, Kanu Nwankwo. Do you agree with that assertion?
The Nigeria U-20 captain who recently made Goal.com’s list of the 50 best under-19 talents in the world revealed in an interview how a phone call from his mentor, Kanu inspired his move to London.
“Kanu called me after the U-17 World Cup and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss Arsene Wenger called him about me, He’s been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am. He calls me every day and I get advice from him every time. From a young age I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal. I think God made it easy for me because that has been my dream team.”
I have signed a five-year contract with Arsenal – Kelechi Nwakali announces
Nigerian midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali who has been working a move to the Emirates has signed a 5 year contract with the club. The 17-year-old impressed scouts at the Under-17 World Cup in Chile and in January, Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger confirmed he was on his radar. The move has now been finalized. The wonderkid took the above picture with assist maestro, Mesut Ozil in London recently.
He told the Mirror, “I just came back from London, I have signed a five-year contract with Arsenal. So many teams were interested in me but it has been my dream at a tender age to play for Arsenal.”
Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze pictured with Wenger and Kanu at Arsenal
Photo Credit: Colin Udoh
For several months, Nigerian wonderkids, Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze have been linked to a move to Arsenal. Going by this picture, which shows them posing with African football legend, Kanu Nwankwo, Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger and CEO, Ivan Gazidis, seems their move has been finalized. The picture was shared by sports journalist, Colin Udoh this morning. The duo made lasting impressions on the international tournament scene (U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015.)
"I am going to Arsenal to be the best I can"- Kelechi Nwakali
Nigerian wonderkid, Kelechi Nwakali is in London to complete a move to Arsenal FC. The attacking midfielder who earned the player of the tournament award at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup has reportedly agreed a 4 year contract with the club & will have his medical in London before Sunday. He will be be paid around £5m.
“I am going to Arsenal to work and try to be the best I can, With God anything is possible, to work hard to justify my claim for first team football.” He told Nigerian Tribune.
The 17 year-old has also picked the no 25 shirt of Gunners legend, Nwankwo Kanu.