Kelechi Iheanacho Reportedly Targeted by Arsenal After Stunning Youth World Cup

League leaders Arsenal are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Nigerian wonderkid Kelechi Iheanacho, according to Soriebah Kajue of the Daily Mail.

Iheanacho has been one of the standout stars at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which is currently taking place in the United Arab Emirates. 

The Gunners' chief scout, Steve Rowley, was apparently on hand to watch the 17-year-old score four goals in Nigeria’s 6-1 rout of defending champions Mexico in their opening game in Group F, per Kajue's report.

The No. 10, who is both tall and fast, was the best player inside the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain during the contest, and he was ecstatic when speaking with FIFA.com after the win:

"

I was totally over the top with joy when that first goal went in.

I’ve scored four goals in a game many times, but only in the streets with my friends. But never in an international match, never for my country. The feeling is amazing.

"

According to Humphrey Njoku of SuperSport, the young star dedicated his goals to his late mother, who passed away in February. 

Arsenal are likely to be just one of a number of European teams interested in Iheanacho after his recent performances.

If he is to join the Gunners, Iheanacho will hope to replicate some fellow Nigerians that have made the step up to Premier League football down the years. The most notable among them are former Arsenal man Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Anichebe, Efan Ekoku, Jay-Jay Okocha, John Obi Mikel and Obafemi Martins.

Nigeria followed up their impressive win over Mexico with a draw against Sweden and a win over Iraq to top Group F with 14 goals from their three games.

The Eaglets, who have won the youth title three times, which is tied with Brazil for the most, will now face Iran in the round of 16.