Arsenal transfer news: Samuel Chukwueze snubs Gunners move to agree deal with FC Porto

Nigeria U17 World Cup-winning star Samuel Chukwueze has performed a U-turn and snubbed a move to Arsenal after it looked like the Gunners were close to finalising the deal. The young attacker was said to have agreed a deal with the north London club but it seems to have fallen through after Diamond Football Academy president Martin Agupo admitted that he will be joining Portuguese club FC Porto in the coming days.

It is contradictory to his earlier statement when he confirmed that Chukwueze was on his way to begin training with Arsenal alongside compatriot Kelechi Nwakali. The latter has confirmed his move to the Emirates Stadium on a five-year contract and is set to arrive in June to join up with the Arsenal U21 side for the upcoming 2016/17 campaign.

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

Wenger was keen on signing the 17-year-old forward, who was one of the stars at the U17 World Cup in Chile last year, but seems to have missed out to the Portuguese, who are on the verge of completing the deal. Monaco also were in the running but Chukwueze has chosen the former to continue his football development.

"Chukwueze is going to FC Porto not Monaco. They are waiting for him to sign the papers but he couldn't travel because he is with the Flying Eagles," Agupo told allnigeriasoccer.com

"We don't know the length of contract he will sign until we get to Portugal," the Diamond Football Academy president added.