Nathan Tella reveals he had trials at Chelsea, Luton, Watford, Tottenham before choosing Arsenal 

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has revealed that he had trials at three Premier League clubs based in London, namely Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, before choosing to join the Gunners on schoolboy terms at the age of eight. 

A product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, the Super Eagles star was released by the north London club in 2017 before joining Southampton following a successful trial.

After six years at Southampton, Tella sealed a permanent transfer to Bayer Leverkusen last summer after an outstanding season on loan at Burnley, for whom he scored 19 goals in 45 all-competition appearances.

Tella started his footballing career at a local team called Bedwell Rangers and spent roughly three years at the grassroots club before he was poached by Arsenal. 

Apart from the aforementioned London clubs, the likes of Luton Town and Watford also took him on trial. 

Reflecting on his footballing journey, Tella told  Bundesliga International: "I had a bunch of trials at Arsenal. Watford. Luton. Tottenham. Quite a few clubs. Chelsea as well. 

"Ultimately, I wanted to play for Arsenal. I am an Arsenal fan. When I had the opportunity to sign there at the age of eight, I said I wanted to do it straight away. 

"Then, I was at Arsenal from the age of eight until seventeen. I ended up going to Southampton. Then going on loan to Burnley and here I am."

Overall, Tella has 111 games as a professional under his belt, registering 27 goals and 13 assists. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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