Nigeria U20 international Kelechi Nwakali is being tipped to be farmed out on loan for the second consecutive season.

In his assessment of Arsenal's 35 young professionals, Gunners youth-team guru Jeorge Bird has predicted that the Flying Eagles skipper will return to London for pre-season ahead of a loan move.

''After excelling on loan in the Dutch second tier with Maastricht last season, another spell elsewhere seems likely for the talented Nigeria youth international,'' Jeorge Bird said.

''Firstly, though, he could spend pre-season with Arsenal.''

The 19-year-old Nwakali is not yet qualified to be granted a work permit in England based on the transfers fees Arsenal paid to secure his signature from Diamond/ASJ Academy, and has yet to debut for the Super Eagles.

He experienced first team football last season, making 33 appearances in the Dutch second tier for MVV Maastricht, including the playoffs.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel