Arsenal: Gunners have made approach for Roma starlet Umar Sadiq, claims agent

Arsenal have made an approach to sign Roma starlet Umar Sadiq, according to the striker's agent. Sadiq, 19, has scored twice in his six first-team appearances for the Giallorossi, an introduction that has caught the attention of Arsene Wenger.

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, The Gunners have already seen an offer of £10.25m rejected by the Serie A side. His agent Mohammed Lawal has since confirmed the approach from the north London side, but warned Borussia Dortmund are also keen.

"Yes we have been approached by Arsenal, but they are not the only team that have signify interest in Sadiq as Borussia Dortmund are also pushing for him," Lawal told owngoalnigeria.com.

"In the coming days or weeks we will know where he is heading to, but for now he is very happy and focused at Roma".

According to AllNigeriaSoccer.com, Arsenal's latest offer is £15.7m plus performance-related incentives, an offer that will just about match the fee Chelsea paid for John Obi Mikel in 2006, a record for a Nigerian footballer. The convoluted transfer saw the Blues pay Manchester United £12m while Norwegian club Lynn Oslo received £4m.

The arrival of Umar at the Emirates would be Arsenal's third Nigerian signing in the space of a few months. Arsenal are expected to finalise deals for both Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze, with Wenger confirming in January the club were hopeful of resolving work permit and medical issues to sign up the pair.

Sixteen-year-old midfielder Chukwueze was given a British entry visa allowing him to complete his move in February, while 17-year-old Nwakali, who won the Golden Ball award at November's Under-17 World Cup, revealed he has signed a five-year-contract with the Gunners.

Wenger said of Nwakali in January: "We identified him [Nwakali] after he won player of the tournament [at the under-17 World Cup], he is a top player, we will see if we can manage to get it over the line."