Kelechi Nwakali has signed a contract with Arsenal, confirms ASJ Academy CEO

Arsenal have completed the signing of Nigeria U-20 skipper Kelechi Nwakali, making him their fourth signing of the summer. The Gunners have completed the signing of Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding thus far in the transfer window and are in the market to complete a couple more before the end of the summer transfer window.

The CEO of ASJ Academy Nigeria, Emeka Amajiriaku, has confirmed that the midfielder has signed a contract with the Gunners but he is still waiting for clearance from the international council so that he can receive his work permit. The 18-year-old led Nigeria to World Cup success in Chile last year and has been billed to be among the hottest prospects in Africa.

"Kelechi has signed with Arsenal, it is now a done deal. He signed the contract 3 pm today (Wednesday)," Amajiriaku told allnigeriasoccer.com. "His mother and brother Allwell were there. Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali came all the way from Norway to London to witness his brother signing the contract."

The Gunners are still in the market for an experienced defender and a striker, with Arsene Wenger looking to complete a deal before their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday (14 August). The north London club are short at the back, with Per Mertesacker out until next year with a knee injury while Gabriel is suffering from tonsillitis. Laurent Koscielny has been given an extended holiday following his exploits with France in the Euros and will not be back for the opening fixture.

"Yes I do (expect to sign a defender before the season star)," the manager said as quoted by the Arsenal website. "We are still on the market for players. [Be it] at the front or at the back − we are on the market. Unfortunately, we are not alone."

The Gunners have been linked with a move for Shkodran Mustafi with reports stating that Valencia are willing to sanction a move for at least two players. On the striker front, Arsenal are believed to have agreed financial terms with Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette.