It can be revealed that Nigeria U-17 starlet Samuel Chukwueze has turned down what his handlers described as “peanuts” offered by Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg so as to join compatriot Kelechi Nwakali at Arsenal.
Earlier this month, Chukwueze, who played alongside Nwakali at last year’s U17 World Cup, was in Austria along with his mother to negotiate a transfer.
Nwakali is likely to have his work permit granted having been voted the MVP of the U-17 World Cup in Chile, but that may not be the case for attacking midfielder Chukwueze, who finished as third highest scorer with three goals.
However, sources have now revealed that Chukwueze’s representatives were far from impressed with what Red Bull offered after Arsenal offered to splash as much as 2.9 million pounds for him.
“Chukwueze has a better chance of developing at Red Bull, but there was no comparison between what the Austrian club tabled and what Arsenal are willing to cough out,” said a source familiar with this transaction.
Arsenal will splash 3.1 million pounds on Eaglets skipper Nwakali.
Both youngsters are now in London to complete their move to The Emirates.