MVV Maastricht head coach Ron Elsen says that Kelechi Nwakali’s previous loan with the club was a big reason for bringing him back.

Nwakali finished his loan at VVV Venlo and rejoined MVV Maastricht in the Dutch second division.

The Nigerian had a great season with them last season, playing 34 times and helping them to a 7th placed finish.

Their head coach, Ron Elsen, has spoken about the deal, and seems glad to welcome back a player they know all about.

“We saw last season that Kelechi is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play the final pass,” Elsen told MVV Maastricht’s official website.

“He returns to an attacking and dominant way of playing, as MVV wants to do.

“He can play as a 10, but also as a wide midfielder.

“He showed at VVV Venlo that he can play in the Eredivisie. At MVV, he can get more minutes.

“We know what he can do and what to expect from him. That was part of our decision to bring him back.”

Nwakali had only received 380 minutes of game time in the Eredivisie as their manager seemed to prefer more experienced players.

Although he’ll be dropping down a level, going to a club that will give him more chances is a good move.

The midfielder has a lot of talent and will want as much experience as possible for when he returns to Arsenal.

He signed for the club from the Diamond Academy in Nigeria in August 2016 before heading out to Maastricht on loan just three weeks later.

He does not have a work permit to play in England, but his experience out on loan will help him.