Arsenal is prepared to part ways with young goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo this summer as his contract enters its final 12 months. The 21-year-old, who spent the last season on loan at Sturm Graz. He has drawn attention from clubs in England and across Europe.
Having been with Arsenal since 2009, Okonkwo signed a senior contract in July 2021. And he made his first senior team appearance in a friendly against Hibernian that same month. Despite representing England at the under-16, under-17, and under-18 levels, he has faced challenges in breaking into Arsenal’s first-team setup.
During the previous season, Okonkwo embarked on loan spells to gain valuable experience. He spent the first half of the campaign at League Two club Crewe Alexandra, impressively featuring in 26 matches and recording ten clean sheets. However, he was recalled in January and subsequently joined Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz on loan for the remainder of the season. Okonkwo played a pivotal role in Graz’s triumph in the Austrian Cup, showcasing his potential.
Lack of Future Opportunities at Arsenal
Despite demonstrating promise during his loan stints, Okonkwo does not feature in the plans of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This decision was clear as he was not in the squad that left for the club’s pre-season tour in the United States.
Arsenal currently possesses several goalkeeping options, including Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, and Alex Runarsson. Given this surplus, the club is open to letting go of their academy graduate, Arthur Okonkwo, to explore new opportunities elsewhere.
As Okonkwo enters the final year of his contract, Arsenal may not receive a significant transfer fee for his departure. However, including a buy-back or sell-on clause in any potential deal could prove beneficial for the club in the future.
Arthur Okonkwo’s time at Arsenal appears to be coming to an end. With the club willing to part ways with the young goalkeeper this summer. As his contract nears its expiration, Okonkwo seeks new challenges to further develop his career. Arsenal’s decision to explore the sale aligns with their existing goalkeeping options. And it offers the opportunity for the player to prove his worth and progress elsewhere in the footballing world.
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