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Who is Henry Onyekuru? We profile the Nigerian striker wanted by Arsenal

Henry Onyekuru
Image: Henry Onyekuru is a Nigerian striker who plays for KAS Eupen (Picture: SSNHQ)

Henry Onyekuru is the subject of interest from Arsenal, as well as a host of other Premier League clubs, but what do we know about the striker?

The 19-year-old looks set to move away from Belgium this summer, with Sky sources understanding that talks are progressing well between the Gunners and representatives for the KAS Eupen forward.

The Nigerian is certainly a player in demand, with SSN HQ reporting last week that Everton, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion were also keen.

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Here, we take a closer look at the player with a release clause of just £6.8m in his contract…

Profile

Name: Henry Onyekuru

Age: 19

Born: Onitsha, Nigeria

Also See:

Position: Forward

Club: KAS Eupen

International recognition: First call-up for Nigeria on May 22

Onyekuru hopeful of Arsenal move
Onyekuru hopeful of Arsenal move

Henry Onyekuru is understood to be optimistic of striking a deal which secures him a move to Arsenal soon

How good is he?

Onyekuru ended the season strongly in Belgium, scoring 10 goals in 10 games during the play-off stage in the domestic league.

And having scored 12 times during the regular season, Onyekuru missed out on the 'Golden Bull' to RSC Anderlecht forward Lukasz Teodorczyk, who scored more away goals that the Eupen striker.

Onyekuru also scored twice in the Belgian Cup, finishing the season with 24 goals in 41 games.

It was undoubtedly a breakthrough campaign for the teenager, though he did show promise in 2015-16, netting six times en route to Eupen's promotion to the top tier.

The Nigerian recently lost out on the Young Player of the Year award in Belgium, finishing third behind Landry Dimata of Oostende and Anderlecht's Youri Tielemans.

Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years
Image: Arsene Wenger is reportedly an admirer of Henry Onyekuru

How was he discovered?

Onyekuru moved from Nigeria to Senegal to join the Aspire Academy in 2010. The academy is the product of a Qatari-based initiative which aims to unearth a host of footballing talent across a number of developing countries.

Eupen play a major role in this project. They have been owned by the ASPIRE Zone Foundation since 2012, and are seen as a stepping stone for players - such as Onyekuru - who dream of plying their trade in Europe's biggest leagues.

Onyekuru himself moved to Eupen in July 2015, and he is currently one of three Nigerians in the squad - which also features players from Qatar, South Africa and Venezuela, to name but a few.

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Attracting interest

Liverpool, Celtic and RB Leipzig were linked with Onyekuru earlier this season, but now Arsenal have emerged as favourites to land the forward.

Sources close to the player said they were confident the forward would play in the Premier League next season, having already turned down moves to Belgian giants Brugge and Anderlecht.

The interest coincides with a call-up to the Nigeria squad for upcoming friendlies against Corsica and Togo.

A debut for the Super Eagles would certainly cap off a fine campaign for Onyekuru, but we must wait to discover where he'll be playing next season.

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