Arsenal: What To Expect From Kelechi Nwakali

Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has signed for Arsenal from Nigerian club Diamond Football Academy. Here’s what you should know about the teenage star.

After months of being linked with Arsenal during the 2016 January transfer window, Kelechi Nwakali has signed for Arsenal for a fee of about £3m, according to multiple sources.

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The Nigerian U-17 international was formerly training with Nigerian club Diamond Football Academy, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger poached the talented youngster after watching Nwakali play at the U-17 World Cup – and watching him win the whole thing.

Arsene Wenger said that Nwakali, as well as another Nigerian youngster, Samuel Chukwueze (who also turns out for Diamond Football Academy), were the “players of the tournament” at the U-17 World Cup.

In fact, as you can see by the featured image, Nwakali won the best player of the tournament award in Chile at the youth World Cup. There’s something to be said about winning everything you possibly can.

Chukwueze has come out and said that he thinks his future remains with Diamond Football Academy, but Nwakali will now be training at London Colney with the rest of the Arsenal players.

Naturally, we all want to know: What kind of player is Kelechi Nwakali?

Nwakali is an attacking midfielder. He wore the No. 10 at the U-17 World Cup in 2015 and he is blessed with both height and strength, along with stellar ball control.

The 17-year-old often came deep to get the ball and dictated the tempo of his team’s attacks, and because of his size he has the ability to make tackles, drive forward with the ball and make long range passes that can unlock a team’s defense.

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Nwakali will likely not be making a ton of first team appearances for Arsenal this season, but going forward he will undoubtedly feature.

Much like Jeff-Reine Adelaide and Serge Gnabry, he will likely earn opportunities in cup ties and pre-season friendly matches – and that’s where Arsenal fans will be able to watch him for now.

Kelechi Nwakali is undoubtedly a member of the next generation of Arsenal players. This transfer looks like a great move for the future – but Arsenal fans are probably hoping that the transfer business will be first team business, and not youth team business.

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Even with that in mind, this Nigerian youngster is one of Arsenal’s best young players, no ifs, ands or buts about it.