Kelechi Iheanacho's former boss claims he stopped the Nigeria striker from joining Arsenal and told him to join Manchester City instead.
Iheanacho, 20, was with Taye Academy in 2014 when Kennedy Ezenwere says the Gunners tried to sign him.
The striker had impressed at the 2013 under-17 World Cup where he won the Golden Ball for top scorer as Nigeria won the tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
However, Ezenwere says he scuppered Iheanacho's move to the Gunners and insists it was the right decision as he will have more success at City.
"Arsenal were interested in Kelechi but I blocked the move, there was a problem with the agent brokering the deal," Ezenwere told All Nigeria Soccer.
"I picked Manchester City ahead of Arsenal not because of money. I know if he goes to Man City he has a better chance of playing there than Arsenal and I have been proved right.
"Kelechi has now become very popular, it wouldn't have been so if he joined Arsenal."
Iheanacho made his breakthrough into the City first team last season, scoring 14 goals in 35 games and is expected to be a major part of Pep Guardiola's plans this campaign.