La Liga side Espanyol make talented Nigerian youngster number one summer transfer target

The Spanish club are yet to make any signing this transfer window but needs to add reinforcements in midfield and defence

RCD Espanyol have reportedly make gifted Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali their number one transfer target this summer as they look to prepare for life in the Spanish La Liga.

The Barcelona-based club sealed a return to the country’s elite league last term after finishing top of the Segunda Division.

The White and Blue have already renewed the contract of star man Javi Puado but know that reinforcements are needed for their squad to withstand the rigours of the top-flight.

And in Huesca’s Nwakali, Espanyol are convinced they have found the ideal addition to boost their midfield options.

The 23-year-old was one of the revelations of LaLiga Smartbank in the second half of last season, scoring four goals and supplying an assist in 18 league matches while on loan at struggling Alcorcon.

There’s a €15 million release clause in Nwakali’s contract with Huesca, but, as per Pricos Marca, financially limited Espanyol will offer to take the former Golden Eaglets star on loan with an obligation to buy outright at the end of the campaign.

It would be hard to convince Huesca to part with the former Arsenal starlet, though, with the relegated side keen to see the Nigerian help their push back to La Liga.

The 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup-winning captain and tournament Golden Ball award winner lists Levante, Premier League side Leeds, and Bournemouth among his admirers.