After an unfortunate season between the sticks for the German goalkeeper Brend Leno, his future at the club seems pretty uncertain and along with him, it also seems that Alex Runnarson will leave the club permanently or on loan due to lack of playing time. Also with Mathew Ryan’s loan spell ending this season, he will also move to his parent club Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
That being said, one of the targets for the manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners for this season’s summer transfer market will be to buy a minimum of two top-class goalkeepers for the squad. One such priority is the Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana and the second prospect for the keeper position is the 19-year old Arthur Okonkwo.
About the Player – Arthur Okonkwo
Arthur Okonkwo is a 19-year old Nigerian-origin English player who was born on the 9th of September, 2001 in London, England. He is 6ft 4inches (1.95m) tall and is one of Arsenal’s academy graduate who plays as a goalkeeper. He is currently playing for Arsenal U23s and his current aim is to play in the Premier league for Arsenal’s first team.
He has represented Arsenal at the Youth, U18 and U23 levels. He has also played for the England National team and has represented the ‘Three Lions’ at the U16, U17 and U18 levels.
Okonkwo’s future at Arsenal
With his previous contract being expired on 30th June, 2021, The Gunners are set to resign the 19-year old academy graduate for a long-term deal. He is known to be one of the best young talent that the Emirates stadium has produced and because of that, he has also received a few interests from other European clubs. He is yet to resign for the Gunners but the club is said to be ‘very confident’ in him to sign a contract extension as they are now preparing a long-term contract for him.
Being an Arsenal academy player, the 19-year old aims of playing for the club’s first team and looks forward for his chance to showcase his talent in the big stage. The club and the fans also expect Okonkwo to commit to the club. Last season, he was integrated with the first team and was very close to make an appearance for the first team.
Mikel Arteta is one of Okonkwo’s biggest admirers and will look to make him as the third-choice goalkeeper for the first team in the upcoming 2021-22 season as Alex Runarrson is said to move out of the club for a season-long loan spell.
As per Academy chief Per Mertesacker, Okonkwo is also said to assess his options over the coming weeks before signing a new contract for a potential loan move for him in the next season to any other European club to play at any top-flight competition to create a potential pathway into the first team but also make a huge statement towards the first team manager Mikel Arteta for a chance to play in the first team.
