Kelechi Nwakali’s agent has confirmed the midfielder will spend the 2018/19 season on loan at FC Porto, but reveals Arsenal rejected the Portuguese club’s request for an option-to-buy in the deal.

Speaking to the Nigerian media, Nwakali’s agent (and brother) confirmed everything is in order for the move to take place. It’s just about getting the final details right before the official announcement can take place.

“Kelechi is on his way to Portugal now, he left Nigeria last night. Everything is in order, he will play on loan for Porto for the 2018-2019 season,” he said.

The player himself also seemingly confirmed the move on Instagram, posting a picture of himself along with the caption “Back to work…Portugal Porto”.

The main aim for the season is that Nwakali performs sufficiently well to earn call ups to the Nigerian national team. After that, a work permit to play in England should follow. It seems Arsenal are counting on that being the case, as his brother admitted they wouldn’t allow Porto to put an option to buy in the 20-year-old’s contract.

“By the grace of God, this time, we expect him to get his work permit after the end of the season and a call-up to the Nigeria national team,” he explained. “I believe he will do well at Porto, they wanted to include an option to buy but Arsenal refused to accept the offer.”

Nwakali spent the first half of last season on loan with VVV-Venlo, but the Dutch club couldn’t offer him starts, so he ended up with second division side MVV Maastricht for the remainder of the campaign instead. He made a positive impact in the Juliper League, scoring four goals and assisting one in 16 appearances from midfield.

Now it’s time to make the step up, to the Portuguese champions. Hopefully he takes advantage.