Nigerian GK to drop down the pecking order as Arsenal agree deal to sign EFL Championship star

Nigerian youngster Arthur Okonkwo is set to drop down the pecking order of goalkeepers  with Arsenal reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of EFL Championship star Aaron Ramsdale.

Sky Sports has reported that Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle with Sheffield United for goalkeeper Ramsdale worth an initial £24m. 

A member of England's squad to the 2020 European Championship, Ramsdale joined the Blades from Bournemouth in 2020 as a replacement for Dean Henderson, who returned to Manchester United, but has decided to move on to pastures new a year later following the relegation of the Blades to the Championship.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was in the market for a new shot-stopper to provide competition for Bernd Leno in the short-term and to replace the German in the long-term.

Okonkwo was installed as Arsenal's third choice custodian after signing a new contract in July 2021, behind Leno and Iceland international Runar Alex Runarsson, but the arrival of Ramsdale could see him drop to fourth or even fifth.

8-cap Estonia national teamer Karl Hein was preferred over Okonkwo in the matchday squad against Brentford in their Premier League opener.

The pair shared goalkeeping responsibilities in the pre-season friendlies with Hibernian and Glasgow Rangers.

Igho Kingsley