The reports also claims Arsenal are expected to apply for a work permit for the Nigerian in the coming days. The 18-year-old Nigeria will reportedly spend next season with the youth teams from where he will be expected to climb his way to a first team place like Alex Iwobi has done.
Kelechi Nwakali whose elder brother Chidiebere Nwakali is on the books of Manchester City is a very versatile midfielder. He played in the defensive midfield, box to box role and attacking midfield role for Nigeria at the last under 17 world cup which he captained Nigeria to win.
He was voted the most valuable player at the under 17 world cup in 2015 in Chile which is testament to his talents. Arsenal was able to fend up interest from Porto to win the race for the signature of the Nigerian. Many Arsenal fans are more interested in the signing of world class "ready-made" players but no one will complain should Kelechi go on to become an important player for Arsenal.
A signing such as Kelechi's is certainly the type Arsenal needs especially as FIFA and UEFA seem to be powerless in their bid to stop the reckless spending in football. By catching them young, Arsenal will be reducing the need to spend big money on player signings.
However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will actually be able to get Kelechi Nwakali a work permit considering he is yet to represent Nigeria at senior level. Arsenal however have the option of applying for a special talent visa for him like was done for Miyachi years ago. Should the application for a work permit fail, he will be shipped on loan outside England pending the time he qualifies for a work permit in England.
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