Arsenal are monitoring the progress of talented Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, with a view of making a transfer offer for the player in January.
The Nigerian wonder kid’s agent Henry Galeano has confirmed that Gunners chief scout Steve Rowley had been keeping a close eye on the player during the recently concluded Under 17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The teenager made a massive
impact during the competition over the past month, finishing the tournament with six goals and seven assists in just seven games. He helped his country win the coveted trophy with victory over Mexico in yesterday’s final, and scooped the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award as well.
According to Daily Star, Henry Galeano said:

I can confirm that Arsenal FC’s Steve Rowley, acknowledged Kelechi Iheanacho’s talents early in the World Cup and has said some very nice words about him.
We’re ecstatic to have another major club like Arsenal following young Iheanacho. That said, the attention is well deserved. Iheanacho’s performance at the World Cup was indeed remarkable.
At present we are considering and evaluating all options. Our goal is to match Iheanacho with a club that fits his profile, and a club that can bring out the very best in him.
If Arsenal F.C. is an option on the table, we’ll be glad to sit down and consider it. Iheanacho wouldn’t be the first Nigerian making it into the team. The thought of him following in the footsteps of the great Kanu definitely has a nice ring to it.

Iheanacho is without a club, registered to a talent academy in his own country, but with offers flooding in at his doorstep it appears he will have his pick of the Premier League’s top clubs.
He can play as either an attacking midfielder in a similar role to Mesut Ozil, or as a supporting striker. He has the makings of a classy playmaker and consistently looks to drop deep and orchestrate play. He is a left footed player, has great composure when on the ball and can also shoot from distance.
The 17 year old is believed to be a huge fan of former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu and is keen on joining the Gunners if an offer comes to pass. Former Nigerian striker Kanu joined the Gunners back in 1999 and went on to win two Premier League titles and the FA Cup on two occasions during a five-year spell in north London.
It seems the Gunners could be pretty serious in their pursuit of the Nigerian starlet if indeed Rowley returns with a glowing report. He looks a player with great promise and the price won’t be a problem. Arsenal should move quickly to sign him up however as other big clubs are also reportedly interested.
Do you want to see him at the Emirates? Share your thoughts in the comments below