Arsenal now set to officially unveil Kelechi Nwakali; as ex-Eaglets captain turns 18; Chukwueze deal fails

London-based Arsenal are set to announce the signing of former Nigeria -17 international and captain of the trophy-winning Golden Eaglets squad, Kelechi Nwakali, according to reports. This is also Nwakali’s teammate Samuel Chukwueze failed to get his local club’s approval for his anticipated move to Arsenal.
Nwakali reportedly agreed a move to the Emirates since March but was unable to sign on the dotted line as FIFA rules prevent Non-EU players under the age of 18 from signing for club sides.
Nwakali celebrated his 18th birthday last Sunday June 5th and is now eligible to finalize his move to the Emirates.
Arsenal will officially announce the signing of the midfielder in the coming days.
The midfielder is set to join from Diamond academy in Nigeria and it is believed a fee of £3m was agreed for the services of the 18 year old. He is expected to sign a five year contract at the Emirates.
Arsenal had to fight off competition from other European giants to secure the services of the midfielder and we would be hoping the midfielder repays Wenger’s faith in him by becoming a key player for the club in the future.
The midfielder was the best player in the U17 championship held in Chile last year and is currently a key member of the Nigeria U20 squad.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have missed out on another Nigeria youngstar Samuel Chukwueze. The Gunners were thought to be closing in on the 17 year old ahead of a possible summer move but the proposed switch to the Emirates is off.
Arsenal, reportedly failed to agree a fee to sign the forward, despite carrying a medical test on the player. Arsenal were unable to convince the player’s club Diamond academy to allow the 17 year old move to the Emirates.
Arsenal offered to pay £1.5m for the player but were willing to pay most of the fee next summer while the player’s club wanted it now.
“Arsenal wanted Chukwueze, even till tomorrow. The problem is that they could not agree with Diamond Academy,” an insider told allinigeriasoccer.com.
“Samuel has done his medical with Arsenal and he passed it. They wanted to give him a five-year deal, the academy is taking their time to study other offers.”
The player is reportedly close to joining Portuguese giants FC Porto.
Wenger had been hoping to sign the young talented winger along with his international teammate Kelechi Nwakali this summer but coach Arsene Wenger will now have to settle for just one of the pair as Nwakali is on the verge of completing his transfer to the Emirates.