Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze 'join club' as Mathieu Debuchy nears exit
Nigerian duo are likely to be the clubs last signings of the transfer window as Wenger completes January business
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal are closing in on the signings of Nigerian duo Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze.
17-year-old Nwakali is seemingly on the lookout for the number 25 shirt to emulate his own Nigerian hero Kanu.
The Mirror reports that it may be an issue though as current left-back Carl Jenkinson is currently in possession of the shirt.
Exclusive first pics of Nwakali and Chukwueze with @papilokanu and Arsene Wenger at @Arsenal
A photo posted by Colin Udoh (@colinudoh) on
Speaking to the club’s official website Carl Jenkinson revealed less noble intentions behind the shirt. “It was my parents' door number”. Perhaps Nwakali’s claims for the shirt are slightly more honourable.
Arsene Wenger has suggested that Mathieu Debuchy is likely to be on his way out before the transfer window closes.
Speaking at his press conference yesterday, he said: “Mathieu might go somewhere but I don’t know where at the moment and that decision has to be made very quickly now because there is only 48 hours to go.
“He has much interest in him, but I have a number of people who can play right back so I opened the door for him because at the moment he doesn’t play and has Bellerin in front.”
The Telegraph suggest that the French international may well be off to Aston Villa or Sunderland, but that will remain to be seen.
El Muno Deportivo are reporting that the Gunners are falling behind in the race to sign Celta Vigo winger Nolito. The 29-year-old has been described by Talksport as ‘Spain’s answer to Jamie Vardy’. Liverpool may be interested in the player along with Barcelona who may bring him back to his old club as cover for Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
It’s unlikely though that the £13.7m is likely to join Arsenal, especially given Arsene Wenger’s recent comments on whether he would be looking at bringing any new players in. “No, no at the moment as I told you I have 23 players in training, plus two is 25 and unless people go out we are not on the verge of bringing anyone in.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments