According to Nepali national team coach Graham Roberts, Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both keeping an eye on Chand. “Scouts from both the clubs have confirmed that they will be watching Rohit and other boys when we (Nepal) take on Jordan on July 23,” said Roberts, former England player and Spurs skipper.[break]
Chand is a surprise name for the European media as the 18-year-old is making waves in the transfer market in England.
When Roberts was making the claim, some English websites were already breaking the news to the world. English website talksport.co.uk posted that Arsenal will battle its north London rival Tottenham for Chand. “Rohit is by far the best center-half I have ever coached. He is an extreme talent who will play at the highest level,” the website quoted Roberts as saying.
The website describes Chand as one of the hottest prospects in Asian football and as a player desperate to make big time in European football.
Spurs already have somewhat of a connection to Chand, with former skipper Roberts praising the defender. Roberts was a favorite during his time with Spurs in the 1980s and he has been backing Chand to follow his footsteps and play at the highest level.
Chand, a former player of Machhindra FC in Nepal, has been winning coach Roberts´ praises since the latter took charge of the Nepali national team. “I have a world class defense line-up with a talent like Rohit Chand,” Roberts often says about the best defender of the Martyrs Memorial League last year.
Chand plays for Indian First Division side Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) SC at present. He is a product of ANFA Academy and has played for Nepal in U-17 and U-19 age group tournaments. Chand has won 12 caps for the national team since his debut on March 23, 2009 against Palestine in the AFC Challenge Cup.
Football coach Kishor KC, who trained Chand in the academy, said he was delighted to hear that the world famous clubs are chasing the player.
“If Rohit (Chand) is given a chance to play at any level, I´m confident that he will prove his caliber,” said KC. “He can understand coaches´ technical and tactical plans and give his hundred percent to follow it. He is physically and psychologically strong,” KC added.
Chand is the first Nepali player to draw at least some attention of the English giants. Earlier, Anil Gurung had given trial in the sixth-tier English club Woking FC in 2009 but he couldn´t play there after he failed to get work permit.
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