Porto threaten to pull out of loan deal with Arsenal on Nwakali as both clubs disagree over terms

ENGLISH Premier League giants Arsenal risk losing out on a possible loan deal involving Nigerian youth sensation Kelechi Nwakali after Portuguese side Porto threatened it may pull out of a planned arrangement as the London side keeps delaying a conclusion to the pact.

Nwakali, 20, is one of Nigeria's brightest young talents who can play both as a box-to-box midfielder and as a creative midfielder behind the forward line. Similar to Paul Pogba in the way he plays and dominates midfield, Nwakali, 20, captained Nigeria when the Golden Eaglets won the U-17 World Cup in 2015 and was subsequently signed by Arsenal, who then loaned him out.

After spending the last two seasons out on loan in Holland, Nwakali is keen to come to England but is unable to play in the Premiership due to work permit issues, which can only be resolved when he gets Super Eagles caps under his belt. Nwakali's  handlers had claimed that the midfielder had already agreed personal terms with Porto and was awaiting approval from the Gunners hierarchy before flying to Portugal to finalise the loan deal.

However, at the last minute, the deal appeared to have collapsed with Dutch side NAC Breda coming in and offering to take the player on loan too. With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the player, Porto are now considering withdrawing their loan offer as they and Arsenal are yet to agree on certain aspect of the deal.

Porto are apparently  frustrated with Arsenal, who are keen on having Nwakali sign an extension to his deal before joining Porto on loan for the entirety of next season. For their part, Porto want Arsenal to give them the option of buying the 20 year old permanently next summer.

However, this is a move which the Gunners have so far rejected as Nwakali is still highly rated by the club. Meanwhile, Nwakali is still in Portugal waiting for both teams to conclude negotiations before having his medicals at Porto before the club can apply for his work permit.