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Exclusive: Huesca midfielder Nwakali still in contact with Arsenal

Kelechi Nwakali has revealed he remains in contact with Arsenal.

The 22-year-old central midfielder left the Premier League club for Huesca in the summer of 2019.

Due to work-permit issues, Nwakali was unable to make an appearance in three years with the Gunners.

Asked by Tribalfootball.com if he was still in touch with Arsenal, Nwakali replied: "Anything is possible in football. I still talk to the Director of the Club."

Nwakali was recruited by Arsenal after his performances at the 2015 U17 World Cup, citing the club's reputation for developing young players as the reason for his decision.

As captain of Nigeria in the tournament, Nwakali lead his country to a win in the final over Mali and claimed the Golden Ball award along the way.

Unfortunately for Nwakali, the work-permit situation forced him to spend times on loan at MVV-Maastricht (twice), Porto and VVV-Venlo.

While moving to Arsenal was a dream come true for Nwakali, he admits he would have decided to move elsewhere in Europe had he known about the work-permit situation.

"After the 2015 FIFA U 17 World Cup in Chile, there were lot of clubs that were interested in my signature. I can't say whether Man Utd was among them or not. I knew many clubs wanted me, but I chose Arsenal because of their good history in the promotion and development of young players at the club."

He added: "We keep learning everyday. The process of getting UK work permit is long. With what I have learnt in Europe in my few years now, I think it is better getting a club in Europe first, before coming to England and with that, you don't need all those long process again of getting a work permit."


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