The first bit of business that Unai Emery has had to conduct as Arsenal manager is to address the contract situations of the club’s players. While Jack Wilshere has been released and Granit Xhaka handed over a new deal, the former Paris Saint-Germain boss has also sent Kelechi Nwakali out on loan to FC Porto.
The 20-year-old is a highly rated youngster in the Gunners ranks who is yet to make an appearance for the senior side. He spent the past season out on loan with two Dutch outfits, VVV-Venlo and MVV Maastricht.
He arrived at the Emirates in 2016 after being named the best player at the 2015 U17 World Cup with Nigeria. The youngster has earned a lot of plaudits for his performances in recent times and is slowly making his case for a future place in the Arsenal first team.
He scored 4 goals and set up one assist in his 16 appearances for MVV in the Jupiler league. The midfielder scored another in the Eredivisie in around 300 minutes of playing time for Venlo.
FC Porto will be able to offer him the perfect opportunity to learn his trade while also competing for major honours, not to mention the prospects of Champions League football.
When asked about the switch, Nwakali said, “I am excited to join the best club in Portugal and I will make my loan from Arsenal count. I have longed to play in a competitive league which this opportunity has given me and I will grab it with both hands.”
Moving on to Portugal is definitely a step up in the attacking midfielder’s playing career. He has earned high praises in the form of comparisons to former Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure.
Just like the Ivory Coast international, Nwakali is a jack of all trades from the central locations. He enjoys being more involved on the offensive side of the pitch but is versatile with his positioning.
The 20-year-old has a good sense of balance when on the ball and is comfortable to play around pressure situations. He has a creative eye which can be further developed with more time on the pitch.
Arsene Wenger always played close attention to the club’s developing youngsters which ended up giving us the likes of Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, to name a few.
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Nwakali could tread on those same footsteps if he can prove himself to Emery in the upcoming season.
