Arsenal have loaned out Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali for the third time, since he was recruited in 2016. This time, he is being shipped to Portugal’s team Porto, where will spend next season on loan at Porto, according to a short statement by Arsenal on Thursday.
Nwakali, 20, joined the Gunners during the summer of 2016 and was first sent on loan to Dutch side MVV Maastricht.
During his time in the Eerste Divisie, the Nigeria international made 34 appearances, scoring three times.
Last season Kelechi remained in Holland – stepping up to the Eredivisie with VVV Venlo – during which time he made 11 appearances and scored once.
Nwakali has said he intends to make the most of his opportunity at Porto, according to the club’s website.
“My main goal is to develop, improve my qualities and the other aspects I know I need to correct to grow in the way I play,” he said.
“I think FC Porto is the right place to evolve as a player. There are good players, young people, and I think I’ll grow up here.”
Arsenal are also reported to be on the verge of finalising a deal for 16-year-old left-back Joel Lopez, who recently made it clear he would be leaving Barcelona.
New head coach Unai Emery is set to take the senior squad on a pre-season tour of Singapore, which will include Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil as well as Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi following their break after the World Cup.
Arsenal fly out on July 22 and will face Europa League holders Atletico Madrid as well as Emery’s former club Paris St Germain as part of the International Champions Cup. @NAN
