Sturm Graz chief reveals Okonkwo has to sign new Arsenal contract before another loan move

Sturm Graz sports director Andreas Schicker has suggested that Arthur Okonkwo prolonging his stay at the Austrian Cup winners hinges on the goalkeeper signing a new deal at Arsenal. 

The Hale End Academy graduate is in the final year of his contract at parent club Arsenal and the Londoners would be losing him for nothing next summer if he is loaned out again without putting pen to paper on a new deal. 

It has been claimed that Arsenal are considering selling Okonkwo this summer in order to generate transfer funds for incomings ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

But Sturm Graz have emphasized that they are interested in loaning in the former England youth international of Nigerian descent for the entirety of the 2023-2024 season. 

Under the previous agreement between Sturm Graz and Arsenal, the Premier League club paid a percentage of Okonkwo's wages.

"If there is still a loan to Sturm Graz , he has to find a solution with Arsenal and extend the contract there,"Schicker told 
Sky Österreich, via Laola1.

"These talks are currently underway. I hope that there is a solution, he extends and works on loan for another year."

Okonkwo has made eighteen appearances in all competitions for Sturm Graz, keeping six clean sheets while conceding nineteen goals. 

The 21-year-old has been on the books of Arsenal since joining the Hale End Academy at the age of eight. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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