Kelechi Nwakali had the chance to remain at VVV Venlo for the remainder of the season, but decided to join MVV Maastricht instead.

Nwakali was loan at Venlo for an initial six months and was offered an extension, but he said no. Initial reports claimed Arsenal were cancelling his loan move.

That’s according to Score Nigeria, who have comments from one of the midfielder’s representatives, Emeka Amajiriaku.

“Kelechi was on loan at Venlo from Arsenal. It was a six-month loan and when the six months ran out, Kelechi had to move,” he said.

“He had opportunity to extend his Venlo stay for yet another six months but he said no

“He had been at Maastricht before so he knows the club, the environment”.

The Nigerian’s move to MVV Maastricht was recently confirmed by the Jupiler League club.

It was there where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.

The move to Venlo was seen as a chance for him to impress at a higher level.

Unfortunately, he received just 380 minutes of first team football in the Dutch top flight.

A return to a familiar setting and a club that has faith in him should do him some good.

His lack of game time is part of a wider trend with Arsenal’s loanees this season.

Several of them have struggled for consistent first team football this season.

Emi Martinez has barely featured for Getafe, while Stephy Mavididi recently cut his loan at Preston North End short to join Charlton.