Kelechi Nwakali has been training with the Arsenal U23s ahead of an expected loan move this summer.

The young Nigerian had a strong campaign with Maastricht in the Netherlands second division, almost leading them to promotion to the Eredivisie, scoring in their 3-2 aggregate semi-final win.

Now he’s back training with Arsenal, the plan is to send him back out on loan for 2017/18 as he still hasn’t secured a work permit. Kelechi himself seems positive about the situation, tweeting earlier in the month that he’d had a good conversation with Arsène Wenger.

https://twitter.com/Kelechi_nwakali/status/882682448928231424

The midfielder still has another four years on his Arsenal deal. The Gunners have stiff competition for a starting place, so it will be essential Nwakali can get regular playing time at a higher level than the Arsenal reserves.

Arsenal are hoping to get secure Nwakali a work permit as soon as possible so next year he can be involved in the pre-season preparations with the first team.