Kelechi Nwakali: Arsenal legend and uncle Nwankwo Kanu convinced whizkid midfielder to snub Chelsea and Manchester City


ARSENAL starlet Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that uncle and Gunners legend Nwankwo Kanu convinced him to join the club.

The Nigerian teenager signed a five-year deal at Arsenal last summer and has spent the season out on loan with Dutch side MVV Maastricht.

Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that Nwankwo Kanu convinced him to sign for Arsenal
Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that Nwankwo Kanu convinced him to sign for Arsenal
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Nwakali can play in a variety of positions including attacking midfield and wide-right, and could find himself in the first-team picture shortly.


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A number of clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City were after his signature, but it’s now emerged that old hero Kanu helped get a deal over the line for Arsenal.

Speaking to Goal, Nwakali said: “Kanu called me and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss called him about me.

The Gunners legend is also Nwakali's uncle
The Gunners legend is also Nwakali's uncle
AP:Associated Press

“He’s been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am. He is my mentor and a friend. He calls me every day and I get advice from him all the time.

“From a young age I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal. I think God made it easy for me because that has been my dream team.”

Nwakali has been tipped for a bright future as he sees out the season on loan at MVV Maastricht
Nwakali has been tipped for a bright future as he sees out the season on loan at MVV Maastricht
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Reflecting on his chances of breaking into Arsene Wenger’s squad, Nwakali added: “Arsenal have a lot of players and the only way you can play for the first team is through hard work.

“It’s my first time in that position but the coach decided that I should play there. As a young player I have a lot to offer, but it’s all about timing. The most important thing is that I believe I have the ability to play in a lot of positions.”


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