FIFA clampdown stalls Arsenal’s move for Nigerian younsters

By: Imhons Erons

The world football governing body’s punishing hammer may stop the FA Cup champions from completing the signing of the teenagers before the
January transfer window slams shut.

According to reports, Arsenal have agreed deals to bring Nigerian youngsters Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze to the Emirates Stadium before the 1 February transfer deadline.

The duo were members of the victorious Nigeria squad at the Under-17 World Cup in Chile last November.

Although, the Daily Star claims that only work permits and visas are holding up the deal, it has emerged that the fear of FIFA’s whip may be the biggest obstacle in the way of the deal.

FIFA frowns on the movement of players under the age of 18 and threatens transfer bans on any found quilty, a clampdown that will affect any Arsenal transfer for the two youngsters.

Nwakali is only 17 – he turns 18 in the summer. Chukwueze is 16. He doesn’t turn 18 until the summer of 2017.

Barcelona recently served a one-year transfer ban for illegally signing players under the age of 18. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also face being banned from signing players over the next two windows.

While Arsenal are among a number of Premier League clubs to be investigated by Fifa.

Arsenal are expected to pay £3million to the Diamond Football Academy in Umuahia, Nigeria for the pair if the move goes through.

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