Porto agree loan deal for Arsenal midfielder | OneFootball

Arsenal youngster Kelechi Nwakali is on the verge of completing a loan move to Porto.

Nwakali captained Nigeria u17s to a World Cup win in 2015 and was crowned player of the tournament.

Just months later he completed a move to Arsenal but is yet to appear for the Gunners as he has not been given a work permit to play in England.

After two years on loan in the Netherlands, he’s now set to make a step up to feature for one of Portugal’s biggest teams.

“Kelechi is on his way to Portugal now, he left Nigeria last night. Everything is in order, he will play on loan for Porto for the 2018-2019 season,” Nwakali’s brother and agent told allnigeriasoccer.com.

The move to Porto should offer the chance to play in the Champions League. As long as he features for the first team, Nwakali would surely be eligible for a work permit the following season.

Interestingly, the Portuguese champions wanted an option to make the move permanent but Arsenal wouldn’t agree.

“By the grace of God, this time, we expect him to get his work permit after the end of the season and a call-up to the Nigeria national team.

“I believe he will do well at Porto, they wanted to include an option to buy but Arsenal refused to accept the offer.”