Arsenal to sign Nigeria Under-17 star Kelechi Nwakali, says his brother

Midfielder set to spurn interest from Manchester City to move to the Emirates

Kelechi Nwakali carries the Fifa Under-17 World Cup trophy on his head (GETTY IMAGES)

Rising Nigeria star Kelechi Nwakali is close to agreeing a move to Arsenal, according to his brother.

Arsenal have been monitoring the midfielder and his team-mate Samuel Chukwueze ever since they helped their nation win the Under-17 World Cup last year, and hope to sign them for a combined fee of £3m.

Manchester City are also interested in the 17-year-old Nwakali, but the Evening Standard report the player’s brother, Allwell, confirmed a move to Arsenal is close.

“Arsenal are known to have a good programme for young players,” Allwell said.

“They develop young stars and enhance their careers, and the records are there for anyone to see and admit that we made the right and honourable choice.”

Reports on Monday suggested any deal could be hit by Fifa, with work permits and visa issues potentially standing in the way of a move, and further complicated by Fifa’s rules on signing players under the age of 18.