<
>

Arsenal's Kelechi Nwakali joins MVV Maastricht on loan for season

Arsenal have loaned teenager Kelechi Nwakali to MVV Maastricht for the rest of the season.

Nwakali, 18, signed a five-year deal with the Gunners in the summer, joining from the Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria.

However, Arsenal have opted to temporarily ship out the midfielder, who has been granted a Dutch work permit, in order to gain some regular first-team football.

Nwakali will link up with fellow Gunner Stefan O'Connor, who is also out on loan at the Eerste Divisie side.

"We wish Kelechi well for the season ahead," Arsenal said in a statement confirming the move.

Nwakali led Nigeria to last year's Under-17 World Cup title in Chile, where he was named player of the tournament.