'I Almost Had The Contract In My Hands' - Chukwueze Opens Up On Failed Move To Arsenal

Samuel Chukwueze has lifted the lid on his failed moved to Arsenal, adding that he dreams of playing in the English Premier League in the near future.

The winger already passed a medical examination conducted by Arsenal doctors, only for talks to break down over the Gunners' refusal to pay a large percentage of the transfer fee in the summer of 2016.

Arsenal would have paid Diamond Academy 2.5 million pounds for the services of Samuel Chukwueze, including performance-related add-ons.

The Gunners had agreed a £1.5 million transfer fee and the Nigerian club would have pocketed £500,000 when he breaks into the first team plus an extra £500,000 when he makes his first appearance for the Super Eagles.

Speaking to Tribalfootball.com, Chukwueze said : ''It was very close for me to sign for Arsenal, almost had the contract in my hands.

"Unfortunately, it did not work out fine with my academy due to the side of agreement and payment. They did not agree with the terms of the contract.

"I was very happy thinking of signing and dreaming of playing for Arsenal, but my academy did not allow it to happen. I kept on pushing and praying to get a club in Europe and it came with Villarreal."

The Villarreal starlet added : ''Playing in England is still an ambition for me.

"I need to keep on working hard and to keep improving. I really want to play in England. I think so."

It is claimed that Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping tabs on  Chukwueze ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel