Arsenal are set to be welcomed by the immediate arrival of the Nigerian Samuel Chukwueze, after the president of his former academy confirmed the move.
The 16 year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates for some time, and was expected to be confirmed around the same time as recent signing Kelechi Nwakali, but the player’s academy was not keen on the deal.
The wonderkid pushed to join Arsenal however, and is expected to join up with his new team to train in the coming weeks, snubbing a move to Austria.
Ifeanyi Igwenjoku who owns the Great 11 Soccer Agency told Complete Sports Nigeria: “I wish Chukwueze the best, he is a Nigerian but the big question is: ‘Would he develop faster at Arsenal than at SV Salzburg?’
“There was an agreement to take him to Austria. The family were very excited but surprisingly my European partners who worked so hard at ensuring he went to SV Salzburg told me that they had been informed of Arsenal’s interest in the boy and that he wasn’t going to Salzburg anymore.
“Nigerian players must realise that there is more to money and big name clubs.
“As much as Arsenal is a big European club, he may not play as many games as can there. Surely, he would have had more playing time at Salzburg. His development is equally important.”
Chukwueze is claimed to have agreed a four-year pre-contract with our club, following on from having completed his medical back in February.
The pair will have been inspired by the meteoric rise of fellow countryman Alex Iwobi, who has hit the ground running in the Gunners first-team this term, and recently earned his first competitive cap for his country also.
The winger was brought a little down to earth this weekend having been indirectly blamed for a lack of defensive work in the 3-3 draw with West Ham, but also managed to create two goals for his side, warranting his place in the side.
Iwobi will also provide an aspiring story for the young English stars in the Arsenal youth sides, having represented England at youth levels before opting to change allegiances to his country of birth.