Kelechi Nwakali’s elder brother, Allwell Nwakali who represents the Flying Eagles poster boy, is confident that the central midfielder will be issued a work permit by the Home Office as he has been given assurances by Arsenal chiefs.

Nwakali is back in Africa for international duty with the Nigeria U20s but is expected to jet out to London in the coming days to tie up the loose ends in his agreement with the Gunners, bearing in mind that he will celebrate his 18th birthday around two weeks from now.

“Arsenal gave Kelechi permission to come for international duty. I have spoken to Arsenal and they have been asking me when he’s going to return, ” Allwell Nwakali told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“As soon as he is free he will go back to Arsenal, June 5th he will be 18 and become an Arsenal player officially. Arsenal only gave him a pre-contract.

“After the return leg against Burundi, he will have to go back to Arsenal and finish up before returning to Nigeria for the qualifiers.”

Allwell Nwakali added : “They have stopped giving special talents automatic work permits. Wenger said he will do his best so Kelechi gets a work permit by the Grace of God.

“He is in Wenger’s plans, he will do his best to make sure he plays for Arsenal.”

It is envisaged that the Golden Ball winner of the 2015 Fifa Under 17 World Cup will append his signature to a five-year contract with Arsenal when he attains the age of majority next month, barring any last minute hitches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel