Arsenal target Onyekuru prepared to snub 'big clubs' in favour of game time

Henry Onyekuru has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal, but he is prepared to snub a ‘big club’ if he fears a move will hinder his career.

The Nigeria international forward has seen his exploits for Belgian side Eupen draw admiring glances from afar, and clubs from England, Germany and France have all expressed an interest in acquiring the highly-rated 20-year-old.

He is, however, aware that he needs regular game time to further his development and insists that he will not merely accept an offer this summer from the most prestigious or highest bidder.

Onyekuru confirms Arsenal offer

Onyekuru told KweseESPN: “The first and most important thing for a player is to get playing time. I’m still young and I still have a long career to pursue but now I need to play.

“My agents are in talks with top clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, French league and others. If they accept our terms, then I’ll make a decision.

“It’s not just about going to a big club and sitting on the bench. It’s not good for me, or being loaned to a club where I won’t play or where I will struggle to play.

“The money can come later but for now, I just want to play to improve, not just to play for a big club."

Onyekuru added: “It was very hard for me last season in Belgium because we just got promoted and our first objective was to stay in the league.

“Sometimes I would score two goals and we would end up losing the game. That was tough for me. It was just God’s favour that helped me because finishing 13th in the league but emerging joint top scorer was just amazing.

Who is Henry Onyekuru?

“So I won’t like to go to a club where I will fight again just to stay in the league. I want to win trophies and, if I can win trophies at my age, it will be good for me.”

Onyekuru ended the 2016-17 campaign with 24 goals in all competitions, with 22 of those coming in the Belgian top-flight.

He has made just 60 senior club appearances to date, while earning one cap for his country, but is already considered to be ready for a step up in class.