Nigeria Under-20 international Kelechi Nwakali will officially become Arsenal player in the coming days after Diamond Football Academy chief Emeka Amajiriaku confirmed the midfielder will travel to England to officially complete his move to the Emirates.
The 18-year-old has already agreed to a deal in principle to join the Gunners. Earlier in March, he confirmed that he has signed a five-year deal with the north London club. He had interest from other clubs but snubbed other opportunities to play for Arsene Wenger's side.
The midfielder said, “I just came back from London, I have signed a five-year contract with Arsenal, ” Nwakali told allnigeriasoccer.com in March.
“So many teams were interested in me but it has been my dream at a tender age to play for Arsenal.”
Nwakali's move to Arsenal was delayed as he was to take part in his Nigeria's Under-20 side to help them qualify for the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations. However, the Flying Eagles suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Sudan in Surulere, which saw them fail to qualify for the tournament.
His participation in the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations qualifier delayed his move to Arsenal. However, Nwakali's dream move to the Emirates is set to finally take place after Amajiriaku confirmed the player will travel to London to complete his move.
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"Kelechi is leaving Nigeria between 30th and 31st of July, his ticket has already been booked. His senior brother Allwell and his mother will accompany him on the trip," ASJ Academy CEO Amajiriaku told allnigeriasoccer.com.
"He is in high spirits because he is joining Arsenal, he is one hundred percent fit."
"He felt sorry that the Flying Eagles could not qualify for the Nations Cup and has insisted that it is not the fault of the players. Heaven knows what happened, that is the way God wants it," he added.
Nwakali will also be joined by his compatriot Samuel Chukwueze, who will travel to Europe. The latter was also a target for Arsenal and AS Monaco. However, Diamond Football Academy president Martin Agupo revealed that Chukwueze will join FC Porto this summer.
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"Chukwueze is going to FC Porto, not Monaco. They are waiting for him to sign the papers but he couldn't travel because he is with the Flying Eagles," Agupo told allnigeriasoccer.com
"We don't know the length of contract he will sign until we get to Portugal," the Diamond Football Academy president added.
