Kelechi Nwakali Reveales How Uncle Nwankwo Kanu convinced Him to snub Chelsea and Manchester City

NIGERIAN teenager Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that uncle and Gunners legend Nwankwo Kanu convinced him to join the club.

The Nigerian teenager signed a five-year deal at Arsenal last summer and has spent the season out on loan with Dutch side MVV Maastricht.

Nwakali can play in a variety of positions including attacking midfield and wide-right, and could find himself in the first-team picture shortly.

A number of clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City were after his signature, but it’s now emerged that old hero Kanu helped get a deal over the line for Arsenal.

Speaking to Goal, Nwakali said: “Kanu called me and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss called him about me.

“He’s been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am. He is my mentor and a friend. He calls me every day and I get advice from him all the time.

“From a young age I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal. I think God made it easy for me because that has been my dream team.”