Could Nigerian midfielder Olaniyan be on his way to the Premier League with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City or Unai Emery’s Gunners?
Arsenal and Manchester City are both interested in signing highly-rated Nigerian midfielder Olatomi Alfred Olaniyan, according to All Nigeria Soccer.
Two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs have a history when it comes to snapping up exciting young talents and giving them a chance to impress in their famed academies, and Olaniyan could be the latest teenager on his way to the Emirates or the Etihad.
The attacking midfielder has been turning heads in Nigeria for some time now, although he missed out on the chance to feature for his country at the U17 World Cup after failing to recover from a long-standing knee injury.
Arsenal and City were expected to watch Olaniyan during the tournament before making a decision about whether he is worth pursuing. But they will have to listen to their gut instead with the January transfer window set to swing open in less than two months’ time.
At Arsenal, Unai Emery has given youth a chance this season with Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka featuring regularly for the first-team.
City boss Pep Guardiola is a little more reluctant to throw unproven players in at the deep end however (see Phil Foden) and Olaniyan would probably have to spent time out on loan at one of their many sister clubs should he choose to join the Premier League champions.
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