Chelsea or Arsenal – Nottingham Forest star Awoniyi reveals boyhood club

Awoniyi has been on the books of two Premier League clubs, but he admits that it was all a dream at one point

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed that before his rise to stardom, he used to be an Arsenal fan, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi was one of the shining lights of the 2013 Under-17 World Cup. After poaching four goals in the tournament, Liverpool swooped in for his signature 19 months later.

Unfortunately for the Ilorin-born star, he was unable to play in England because of his inability to get a work permit. Awoniyi had to go on different loan deals to seven different clubs in three countries.

Eventually, he had his breakthrough during a loan spell at Union Berlin two seasons ago. Des Irones then signed him permanently. After a successful season which saw him score 20 goals in 43 games, he moved to Nottingham Forest.

This time, because he had played for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Awoniyi's work permit was not an issue.

The Tricky Trees' decision to sign the Super Eagles striker paid off, as he scored ten very important goals for the club to keep them afloat in the English top flight.

Speaking on his journey, Awoniyi admitted that playing in the Premier League was one of his targets when he was younger, and Arsenal was his dream club.

“I like to dream big even if no one believes in it, even Secondary schoolmates can testify to that,” Awoniyi told Soccernet.

“I used to tell them then, that one day, I would play for a Premier League club like Arsenal because I supported them when I was younger.

“Right now, to me, playing in the Premier League feels like all those things I said back then have come into existence.”

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The fixtures for the 2023/24 season were announced on Thursday, and Nottingham Forest will begin their campaign with a fixture against Sheffield United.

Awoniyi would surely lead their attack next season, and he would be looking to improve on his numbers from last season.