Arsenal transfer news: Samuel Chukwueze heading to Emirates Stadium, confirms Nigerian football academy president

Diamond football academy president Martin Apugo has confirmed that Samuel Chukwueze is set to join Arsenal in the coming weeks despite his insistence on joining another club. The Nigeria U17 midfielder has been tracked by the Gunners since he played a vital role in his country's win at the U17 World Cup in Chile last year.

The north London club have already snapped up his compatriot and teammate at the Diamond football academy Kelechi Nwakali, who confirmed that he has agreed a five-year deal with Arsenal in March. The midfielder was the player of the tournament in Chile last year, while Chukwuze scored three goals in five games to give the Super Eagles youngsters a record fifth win in the history of the competition.

"I just came back from London, I have signed a five-year contract with Arsenal," Nwakali told allnigeriasoccer.com.

The 16-year-old Chukwueze, who can play on the wings or in midfield, had confirmed his imminent arrival in north London earlier in the year, and the president has now admitted that the player insisted on joining Arsenal, as he was not happy to join any other club.

"Chukwueze is still joining Arsenal, he will travel any moment from now to start training with them," Diamond Academy president, Apugo, told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"I didn't want him to go to Arsenal, wanted him to go somewhere else but he said he'll be happy if he goes to Arsenal," he added.

Chukwueze has only featured for the U17 side thus far, but Apugo has revealed that the 16-year-old is close to joining the Nigeria U20 with the academy currently holding talks with Flying Eagles coach Emmanuel Amuneke.

"His name was not on the initial list but we are in touch with the coaches and hope this will be sorted out next week," he explained.