In what was supposed to be a close and tight game, Arsenal, who are supposed to be title contenders this season were badly exposed in midfield by Chelsea on Sunday. Although the Gunners only lost the game by a lone goal, the match ended up being very one-sided with Chelsea's midfield trio of Mikel Obi, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic running the game like an orchestra.
Following Nwakali's brilliant performance in last year's U17 World Cup, several European sides looked at signing him and he is still weighing up his options. However, given Arsenal's paucity in midfield, it appears the club has decided to step up its pursuit of the midfielder, particularly as he brings youth to an ageing side.
Kelechi's brother, Allwell, has all but confirmed that his younger sibling is set to join English Premier League side, Arsenal. He added that his brother is expected to be joined at the Emirates by fellow Golden Eaglet Samuel Chukwueze, currently plying his trade with Diamond Football Academy, for a combined fee of £5m.
Allwell said: “Arsenal are known to have a good programme for young players. They develop young stars and enhance their careers and the records are there for anyone to see and admit that we made the right and honourable choice.”
During the U17 World Cup, Kelechi not only won the golden ball for being the best player of the tournament but he also won a bronze boot, for being the third highest goal scorer. He is a two-way midfielder who defends, scores goals, drives forward and generally orchestrates things in midfield.
Hopelessly out-gunned by Chelsea yesterday, Arsenal will be hoping that the arrival of talent like this can re-inject some vigour into its lacklustre midfield. In contrast, Chelsea have Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi in its engine room, who has been a revelation for the side since new coach Guus Hiddink took over.
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