Kelechi Nwakali is in mourning following the death of his grandfather Samuel Samson Nwakali in the early hours of Thursday morning after a brief illness.

The Nigeria U20s skipper had a special relationship with his paternal granddad as he took care of him after losing his father Stone Nwakali some years back.

The 18-year-old, who has been in London since Monday with his mother and elder brother, has already started training with the Emirates outfit.

“Kelechi has started training with Arsenal, he can’t stay a single day without training, ” Emeka Amajiriaku, CEO ASJ Academy, told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“He lost his grandfather today, that’s the only man that protected him. He took care of them after the death of his father Stone Nwakali.

“Kelechi has been informed already. The body has been deposited at Agbala mortuary, and the family will fix a date for the burial later. ”

The ASJ/Diamond Academy product penned a five-year contract with the Gunners on Wednesday, August 3.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel