Arsenal transfer news: Gunners on the verge of completing double deal to sign Nigeria U17 stars

Arsenal are close to completing a double deal to land Nigerian starlets Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze, both of whom played a key role in helping the Nigeria U17 team win a record fifth World Cup in Chile in 2015. The duo have been tracked by a host of European clubs since their impressive performance for their countries but the Gunners are said to have stolen a march and won the race for their signatures.

According to the Mirror, the north London club have agreed to a £3m ($4.3m) deal with Diamond Football Academy in their homeland and are expecting the move to be completed during the ongoing January transfer window. The report claims Arsenal have seen of competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the duo, who starred in the U17 World Cup last year.

Nwakali, 17, was the captain of the team and was also named player of the tournament for his impressive performances at the heart of the Nigerian team's midfield, while compatriot Chukwueze, 16, scored three goals and provided three assists during their triumph in Chile. The Nigerian U17 internationals are said to be represented by English agents Stellar, as they seek to move to the Premier League. City's interest was concrete as they also have the former's older brother Chidiebere on their books at the Etihad Stadium.

According to The Times, the duo along with their families are expected to arrive in England before the end of the transfer window to complete the deal, with the report claiming that Arsenal will hand them professional contracts once they turn 18.

The duo will be the 12-times FA Cup champions' second and third signing of the January transfer window after Arsene Wenger confirmed the capture of FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny, following the Gunners' 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday (13 January).