Kelechi Nwakali’s move to Arsenal wasn’t exactly straightforward, with the prospect having been linked with the Gunners for several months before the deal finally came to fruition.
Nwakali had some training sessions at London Colney, including one with the Arsenal first-team, before he was on the move again as he joined Dutch second division side Maastricht on a season-long loan deal.
The midfielder had to be patient once more as he initially featured for Maastricht’s reserve team, where he was joined by another Arsenal loanee in Stefan O’Connor.
Now, though, Nwakali has stepped up to represent the Dutch side at first-team level and has featured prominently in their last two games, showcasing his excellent close control and his ability to break forwards from deep.
At the age of just 18, Nwakali has much time on his side to progress further and playing regular first-team football, regardless of the standard of the division, will surely be hugely beneficial for his development.
If he continues to impress then Nwakali may well be able to earn a work permit that will enable him to play competitively in England next season, although for now the Nigerian’s aim is simply to gain as much experience as possible.
As he showcased at the 2015 U17 World Cup, when he was crowned player of the tournament as Nigeria reigned supreme, Nwakali is an extremely exciting young talent and he is certainly one of the standout prospects on Arsenal’s books at present.
Nwakali’s spell in Holland will allow him to adjust to European football, although further adaptation will surely be required before he can be deemed ready to step up to the Arsenal first-team.
For now, though, Nwakali is progressing well and will hope to push on to even greater heights in the second half of the season.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
The prospect of Arsenal being a regular winner of PL in the future seems real. We have great youngsters.
That’s why I think Wenger will extend. However, he is classy enough to let a younger manager to enjoy the benefits (unlike a certain ManU).
We’ve had ‘great’ youngsters over the last decade or so.
we’ve had “great youngsters” for 8 years now though. Hasnt led to an EPL title yet
Obviously they need to be mixed with experienced talent…
This relatively new partnership that Arsenal has developed with Nigeria is very exciting and fruitful. Goes to show you how much talent there is in Nigeria. Glad to see so many Nigerians with well deserved chances to make it big in football.
Happy for the young man. Hope the loan move to Holland wouldn’t exceed one or a max of two seasons, then he can come to England to learn football the English way playing in Arsenal’s reserve team (like the Jeff and the likes) and if he impresses which am sure he would, then the Alex Iwobi way wunt be too far for him.
I hope he get the permit next season. Up Gunners
Meanwhile Serge Gnabry scores for Germany. It’s amazing what talented young players can do. Tony Pulis is such an orc. Congrats to Kalechi finding a club who will actually utilise a good young talent rather than going to the likes of West Brom and rotting on the bench because he’s not a 6’2″ CB.
Yes I’m still angry we ended up selling him for very little. A good year at West Brom and we’d have either given him a new deal or got three times the price. Why did we even let a winger go to West Brom ffs!
Well said!
I literally cried when serge was sold and we kept sanogo & co, some of which are even in the first team
You literally cried when a player was sold?
It would take a heart of stone not to laugh.
I really liked gnarby but you are very wrong. We sold him for so little because he forced us to do so, which I find quite ungrateful considering the chance he got here at such a young age – mind you, a chance he would not get at any other top club, including the bayern where he probably so desperately wants to go. Second, every loan is a deal between three parties, including the player. So if he went there because he agreed to go there. And you are also assuming quite a lot into how much interest or other… Read more »
He was excellent yesterday but let’s not forget it was against San Marino
Gnabry = Ox. They’re so identical it’s crazy. As a Bremen fan, I’ll actually take Ox and you can take Gnabry back if you want him. He is ok
I know what you mean but you’re wrong. Stylistically they are both similar. Good build powerful running and good technique and that’s about it.
Ox has all the talent to succeed but no brain at all. He doesn’t know what to do with the ball even with all that talent. He will just keep on dribbling and dribbling and cross , no end product at all .
that’s why gnabry and even iwobi is leagues better than ox. You should be greatful that gnabry is with bremen
Screw Gnabry. That ungrateful shit can do one.
Nwakali is a great prospect who has big engine, good passing, good control, ability to set the pace of play and he is not goal shy. I believe he will make the grades here in Arsenal earlier than people expect. He gives his everything on the field of play. His free kicks is terrific. Its being long we saw a free kick specialist in our rank. Happy days ahead when the likes of Jeff, Akpom, Holding, etc takes the stage being captained by speedy Bellerin.
Worried for Nwakali. He should probably have gone elsewhere. To be that outstanding at the cadet level and get shoved to the wilderness to ‘develop’ isn’t the best path for him, I’m afraid. Arsenal has a history of sending these youngsters into oblivion in the name of development and qualifying for work permit. Campbell and the Brazilian chap come to mind. Chelsea is even worse. I’m actually worried for Nwakali’s future. He’s too good to be consigned to a Dutch second division side. It must have done his confidence grave harm to get there and get started in the reserves.… Read more »