Arsenal could walk away from deals that see Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze sign professional contracts with the club.
It’s believed that Nwakali signed a scholarship with the club in recent weeks and is set to make the move to north London this summer, while a deal for Chukwueze is close to completion, although the club have yet to confirm either deal.
YouTube: Kelechi Nwakali ● Nigeria ● FIFA U17 World Cup Goals, Skills & Assists ● 2015 HD
Neither player can sign a professional contract with the Gunners until they turn 18, with Nwakali set to do so in June this year and Chukwueze in May 2017.
According to africanfootball.com, Arsene Wenger has opted to invest the minimal amount in both players in order to not take any risk. If the club are unimpressed by the performances of both players, they are able to release them without obligation.
Arsenal have only made an initial investment of about 10% on both players and have insisted they will only finalise a contract with them when they are 18 and have received their international papers.
It’s a huge risk the players’ academy in Nigeria is now taking because should it all go wrong, Arsenal have nothing to lose if they walked away.
YouTube: Welcome To Arsenal Kelechi Nwakali & Samuel Chukwueze | AFTV Transfer Daily
Chukwueze has more time to impress the club and will be able to train and play with the under-18s but it is Nwakali who needs to be at his best level from the offset, with him turning the legal age for a professional contract later this year.
The Nigerian talent is likely to impress after a stunning 2015 where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 under-17 World Cup, finishing as top scorer and eventually lifting the crown with his teammates.
