Wenger confirms Nwakali and Chukwueze set to join Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is confident Arsenal can complete the signing of Nigerian youngsters Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze before the end of the January transfer window.

The duo impressed at the Under-17 World Cup last year as they guided Nigeria to the title and they have since been linked with a number of high-profile clubs, including Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Wenger believes Arsenal are set to win the race for the 17-year-old Nwakali and the 16-year-old Chukwueze, though, and expects to see both Diamond Football Academy midfielders to arrive in London shortly.

“The deal for the Nigerian youngsters is progressing well,” Wenger said at a news conference.

“I expect it to be done. There are work permit issues and we have to sort medicals. But things are going well.

“We identified Nwakali as a top player, he was the best player at the Under-17 World Cup.

“We will see if we can get it over the line this transfer period.”

Arsenal have already brought in Mohamed Elneny from Basel this transfer window and they have also been linked with former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

Nevertheless, Wenger has made it clear there will not be any more arrivals apart from Nwakali and Chukwueze.

“Hernandez? Unless people go out, we are not on the verge of bringing anyone in,” he added.

“[Danny] Welbeck is coming back. Alexis [Sanchez] is back. We have the number of players we need up front.”

Mathieu Debuchy, meanwhile, appears to be on his way out of Arsenal, with Sunderland and Aston Villa keen to sign the Frenchman.

“Debuchy might go somewhere but I don’t know where,” Wenger revealed.

“A decision has to be made quickly now.”