Arsenal will allow goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to leave the club permanently this summer, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old, who last season divided his time between Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, is the subject of interest from clubs at home and abroad.
Okonkwo signed a long-term contract two years ago and was promoted to Mikel Arteta’s first team in the process but looked nervy in a couple of pre-season friendlies and soon fell behind fellow youngster Karl Hein in the pecking order.
While he made the bench for seven Premier League matches in the 21/22 season, the arrivals of Aaron Ramsdale, Alex Runarsson and Matt Turner have kept him at arm’s length from a senior debut.
Excl: it has been agreed that talented goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo (21) can leave Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer. 🚨🔴⚪️ #AFC
His contract expires next summer – after Sturm Graz loan last season Okonkwo is now subject of interest from clubs in England and across Europe. pic.twitter.com/541Hb0MjKQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
Okonkwo earned plaudits for his performances for Crewe in League Two keeping 9 clean sheets in 27 appearances. He looked settled at Gresty Road but jumped at the chance to play in Austria’s top flight with Sturm Graz and the decision was justified with regular football and success in the Austrian Cup.
Graz wanted to retain Okonkwo and may well be in the running to sign him on a permanent basis.
Speaking to Sky Sports Austria, sporting director Andreas Shicker said in June, “I have a feeling he would like to stay. I also think that from a sporting point of view there can be nothing better than playing for Sturm Graz next year.”
Like several other fringe players, Okonkwo wasn’t included in the squad that travelled to the United States yesterday. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up and how much of a fee Arsenal will command; like Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun, his profile has benefited from access to regular football.
Oh no Kwo!
Okonk-woe
Show us the money!!
Logical decision, Hein seems to be ahead of him for good.
I hope we sell him to an English club though, to help maximise the fee.
Finding himself be-Hein may be a KO blow for Okonkwo.
Sometimes you have to be Karl to be kind.
For a good pun, you have to ‘nkwo when you overdo it
Oh konk no!
Oh Konk whoa!!!!
I can’t see Ramsdale leaving any time soon, and Turner seems about as good as you can hope for as a settled no. 2
I can see why he wouldn’t want to go down the Emi route of random loans and spells as 3rd choice until his late 20s
I’m calling it now, Okwonko wins the 2030 World Cup.
And continues the wonderful tradition of sticking the golden glove on his crotch
Sadly, he’s not from Cockermouth. I hope we get a good fee still.
played really good in Austria. Sturm Graz was second in the league and plays in Europe. not really a lot of money in this league except for Red Bull Salzburg.
That’s why they said that if he would sign an extension with us they’d be very interested to loan him again, but if he is sold then probably couldn’t afford to buy him. I am not sure how old the quote by Andreas Schicker is, that he would like to stay, but since he went back to us, they signed two keepers and their season starts tomorrow with the first round of the domestic cup, so surely that possibility is over. I think it’s a pity, cause they are in CL qualification and in case of failure have a guaranteed… Read more »
He’s become quite a handsome lad it seems so the team’s beauty factor will be negatively affected… thankfully we still have Benny Blanco, Martinelli and Ode to keep up the quota. From a less superficial footballing point of view, I guess it’s the right decision.
How dare you forget Cedric ‘always-on-the-pictures’ Soares?
Isn’t he the same status, presumably leaving? (except I guess no one wants him)
Also why on earth would anyone down vote this lol, is there anything negative about saying someone is handsome.
Considering Man City are selling James Trafford, Bolton Wanderers loanee for 15 million, we need to be looking at a good fee, because he has very good potential.
Pretty amazed that Alex Runarsson is still part of the squad!
Yeah he has got to be off soon you would expect. If someone will take him that is. Nothing against the guy, but you can see the quality gap for this level
In life, you have to know the right people.
If he ever plays for us again that would be a comeback of Xhaka proportions!
I think Arthur is a very good young goalkeeper and personality, who will have a bright future in the game. It’s so difficult for young goalkeepers as there’s only ever one and they don’t even get subbed like outfield players. There are a few good young goalies coming through at Arsenal and sadly most will be sold, but they should go on to good careers. I wish Arthur all the very best for his future.