Nwakali, Chukwueze to join Arsenal in January

Arsenal are set to win the race to sign Nigeria youth internationals, Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze.

Nwakali has a profile similar to Yaya Toure – he is tall, powerful and is dominant in the middle of the park.

Last year, Nwakali underwent trials at another EPL club Manchester city, who already have older brother Chidiebere Nwakali on their books. Arsenal have encountered difficulties with the new policy in their efforts to sign Mohamed Elneny.

Nwakali finished the tournament as the best player, winning the Golden Ball while Chukwueze was the third highest goalscorer at the 2015 Federation Internationale de Football Association U-15 World Cup.

They will be handed professional contracts when they turn 18.

Their general manager Prince Apugo told News24 he’s been in contact with a “big club with a rich history”, seemingly ruling out Man City, but nothing has been agreed yet.

Both players are reportedly associated with the All Star Junior Academy, although Chukwueze’ economic rights are partly owned by Diamond Football Academy.

“Samuel is like my son, I am his legal guardian and I have been taking good care of him for many years now”.

No young player signing for a major English Premier League club is ever guaranteed to become a roaring success á la Cristiano Ronaldo. Our priority is their development and we are determined to ensure this is put into consideration before we accept any offers for them.

“This is the full package including training compensation to the players’ academy and what have you”.