Arsenal are set to give new signing Kelechi Nwakali the iconic No.25 shirt after completing a deal to sign the young forward, as per allNigeriasoccer.
The Nigerian confirmed earlier this week on Facebook that he had completed his move to the north London side after signing a 5-year deal from the Diamond Academy, posting a photo of himself with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.
It’s a name that most Arsenal fans have possibly not heard before; a name that resembles, and is representative of the Gunners interest in raw, exceptional young talent.
Although the arrival of Kelechi Nwakali has not been formally announced on Arsenal Football Club’s official website, it is more or less confirmed by the Nigerian’s former club too along with the player himself.
The Nigeria under 20 international, who caught Arsenal’s attention after winning the golden ball at the FIFA under 17 world cup, has apparently been handed the 25 shirt. According to
According to The Metro a number that bears the iconic stamp of former Arsenal legend Nwanko Kanu, who scored 44 goals in 198 appearances for the Emirates club.
Emeka Amajiriaku, head of the Diamond Academy from which Nwakali hails, told AllNigeriaSoccer:
“Arsenal have informed us that Kelechi has been handed the number 25 jersey. He was trying to get that number because of Kanu Nwankwo, so he’s happy they gave it to him ” .
Nwakali, who clocked 18 years earlier this month, is still with the Nigeria U20s , and the coaching staff led by Emmanuel Amuneke and the Nigerian Federation will have to give the go-ahead before he travels to London for his official unveiling. Emeka Amajiriaku added:
“Kelechi is no longer our property, we can’t decide when he’ll travel to London. No one knows the mind of Arsene Wenger, they need him urgently but we want him to play for Nigeria.
“The coach and the Nigeria Football Federation will have to decide,” added Emeka Amajiriaku.
The youngster has an impressive range of passing, he’d slot in well, and has an energetic presence meaning that he would be a good fit to play alongside a more experienced midfielder in the centre.
He might not be effective this season, as he needs time to adapt to the club and players, but the youngster getting a jersey number proves that Wenger has enough confidence in the Nigerian for him to feature in the first-team squad this season.
What do you think guys?
