Agent confirms Chelsea transfer talks, but midfield prodigy wants Arsenal move

Posted Wednesday, November 25, 2015 by thisisfutbol.com

According to reports from The Metro, Kelechi Nwakali’s agent has confirmed he’s in talks with Chelsea, despite the midfield prodigy revealing his desire to play for Premier League rivals Arsenal last week.

The Nigerian prospect won the Golden Ball award at this month’s U17 World Cup, held in Chile, as the Golden Eaglets lifted the title for the fifth time and in successive tournaments.

He’s the brother of Manchester City youngster Kelechi Chidiebere and has been on trial with the Citizens before – but agent Klay Ekeocha has ruled out a permanent move to the Etihad due to ‘work permit issues’.

Last week, the 17-year-old, who has been described as “a right-footed playmaker with good technical attributes, a keen eye for a pass and a rasping shot” by ESPN, revealed his desire to play for rumoured suitors Arsenal due to their exciting style of football.

He told Nigerian outlet MTN Football; “I would love to play for Arsenal. They are their Premier League club I will like to play for, because they play the best football in the world.”

But according to Nwakali’s agent, it’s Premier League rivals Chelsea who are leading the race to sign the attacking midfielder.

As quoted by The Metro, he said; “We are in contact with Chelsea, Udinese and Olympiacos. Udinese made a ridiculous offer of €800,000 for the Most Valuable Player of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup. We are working hard for the player, his family and academy. Manchester City and West Ham are no longer involved because of work permit issues.

''We got in touch with Arsenal and there’s no feedback yet,” Ekeocha added.