Kelechi Nwakali joins Arsenal: Midfielder confirms he has signed five-year Gunners deal

Nigerian youngster Kelechi Nwakali has said he has completed his move to Arsenal – tweeting that his new life has begun at the London club.

Arsenal’s move for the 18-year-old  midfielder first began gaining traction in January, when Nwakali travelled to London alongside former Gunners striker Nwankwo Kanu to sign a contract at the Emirates.

However a move for Nwakali could not be completed until the player’s 18th birthday, on June 5, due to Fifa regulations that forbid the transfer of minors unless within the European Union.

On his Twitter feed Nwakali changed his bio to state that he was a “footballer for Arsenal FC and Nigeria U20 Nike Athlete” and also shared a Facebook post of him posing with the shirt of his new club.

Arsenal fought off interest from a string of Europe’s leading clubs, including Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester City, to sign the midfielder – who revealed the influence of Kanu had played heavily on him.

“I just came back from London, I have signed a five-year contract with Arsenal,” he told All Nigeria Soccer.

contract with Arsenal,” he told All Nigeria Soccer.

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Kelechi Nwakali @KelechiNwakali

New Life Begins @Arsenal. http://fb.me/7vKs8tiQM 

3:36 PM - 13 Jun 2016

 
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“So many teams were interested in me but it has been my dream at a tender age to play for Arsenal.”

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