Arsenal transfer news: Nigerian youngster Kelechi Nwakali confirms move to north London

Arsenal have completed the signing of Nigerian starlet Kelechi Nwakali, with the player confirming that he is on his way to Arsenal to fight for a place in the first team. The 17-year-old was voted the the most valuable player for Nigeria in the U-17 World Cup and will be a good acquisition for the north London club, who are striving hard to revamp their academy with talent from across the globe.

The midfielder is expected to fly to London to complete the move and will be accompanied by his brother Allwell Nwakali and agent Josh Alejo, where he will be a part of the Gunners academy. The north London club still have to overcome work permit issues and other mandatory clearances from Fifa, who have been coming down hard on clubs and their transfer policy for players under the age of 18.

"I am going to Arsenal to work and try to be the best I can, and with God anything is possible, to work hard to justify my claim for first team football," Nwakali told the Nigerian Tribune. The youngster added that he will stake a claim for the number 25 jersey if he makes it to the first team, influenced by his hero Kanu Nwankwo.

The publication also claims that the Gunners are close to securing a deal for another Nigerian youngster Samuel Chukwueze, who will travel to the Emirates next week to complete a move. The Gunners have been piling on the numbers in the youth team this season, having already bought Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Yassin Fortune.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are desperate to get back to winning ways after three games without a win in the league. Francis Coquelin is back in contention for selection while Danny Welbeck is also close to a first team return. Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere are progressing well and are likely to be back in the first team in February, with a series of important fixtures lined up.