Arsenal and Tottenham batting to sign Patrick Vieira-like midfielder of Nigerian descent

Published: March 26, 2022

Rennes midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has emerged as a summer transfer target for two Premier League rivals, according to reports.

L'Equipe says Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping tabs on Ugochukwu, who is the nephew of former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, for several weeks with a view to recruiting him when the transfer window reopens for business.

The respected French sports daily added that Arsenal are currently in pole position for his services and see Ugochukwu as a future Patrick Vieira, who captained the Gunners during his playing career.

Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported three years ago that Ugochukwu, who is blessed with excellent physical attributes, powerful and tall for his age, has been likened to Patrick Vieira and was eager to represent Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup.

The 18-year-old has achieved international recognition but for his country of birth, France, making eight appearances for their U18s in non-binding friendly matches, most recently against Germany U18s this week.

Ugochukwu has been on the books of Rennes for a decade and has approximately two years to run on his contract with the Brittany club.

In the current season, the central midfielder has been involved in seventeen matches across all competitions for Rennes, scoring his first senior goal against Saint-étienne back in December.

Ugochukwu is also drawing interest from German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : staderennais.com

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