Manchester City reportedly sent Nigeria u15 international Lateef Omidiji Jnr. an invitation to train with them and to check out their facilities but according to a report Daily Trust in Nigeria, Feyenoord stopped that from happening.

City are one of a handful of clubs interested in signing the talented forward who boats both USA and Nigerian heritage. A 15-year-old centre-forward, he can also play on the wings.

Arsenal’s interest in the player is not clear at this point. They were linked with a move for him when he was just 12 and then again the following year. The story is a bit of a confusing one, if I’m honest, given the lack of information available regarding youngsters.

Back at the start of 2017, it was reported that Arsenal had actually signed Omidiji, beating Chelsea and Liverpool to his signature. He was to stay in the Netherlands due to his age, joining up with Arsenal a few times a year.

AllNigeriaSoccer quoted a ‘top source’ as saying, “Chelsea came as well, so did Liverpool, to try and build a relationship early but Arsenal came with an offer that could not be turned down.

74756Omidiji
via AllNigeriaSoccer

“Arsenal saw his potential and said they will invest in his growth. He is focused on his craft. 

“Lateef will train in London a couple of times a year, and their coaches will come from there to the Netherlands to monitor him frequently and give him tips. ”

Labelled ‘the new Memphis Depay’ he’s pacy and young and that’s about all we know but it seems like the deal Arsenal reportedly agreed did not complete.

Omidiji currently plays for the Go Ahead Eagles, signing for them in the summer on a free transfer. Arsenal, of course, have links with the Go Ahead Eagles having loaded Daniel Crowley to the Dutch side before he left the club.

Crystal Palace have reportedly issued an invitation to the player to come and train with them next month while Manchester United have also, allegedly, ‘reached out’.

Ajax and PSV were accused of tapping up the youngster when he was at Feyenoord where he refused professional terms. He moved to the Go Ahead Eagles after a move to either of the Dutch giants was blocked by the league after Feyenoord’s complaints.