Kanu Expects Big Things From Nwakali

Retired Nigerian footballer, Kanu Nwankwo, has said that he is expecting big things from fellow Nigerian footballer, Kelechi Nwakali, now that the youngster has signed a contract with English Premier League club, Arsenal. 

Nwakali, who is Nigeria’s Under-20 international captain, has been highly sought after by many European and English clubs. However, he decided to go with Arsenal as he said it was a dream of his to play for Arsenal since he was a little boy. 

“…I just came back from London, I have signed a five-year contract with Arsenal…[sic] So many teams were interested in me but it has been my dream at a tender age to play for Arsenal,” he said.

It is reported that Arsenal paid around £3 million for the 17-year old.

According to various reports, other clubs that showed interest in the young Nigerian included West Ham United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon, Olympiakos and Udinese.

Kanu, who also played for Arsenal, said that Nwakali will do well at Arsenal:

“…He is going to Arsenal at such a young age which means he could stay there longer than I did and develop properly above all he could win more laurels than I did during my time at Arsenal…I have high hopes on him succeeding at Arsenal, he is so talented for his age and he has a very good sense of listening, he will succeed at Arsenal, I have no doubt about that in my heart,” he said.

Nwakali will join Arsenal in August when he turns 18.