Sturm Graz line up replacement for Arsenal-owned goalkeeper Okonkwo 

Austrian Cup winners Sturm Graz have started preparing for life without Anglo-Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. 

The Hale End Academy graduate arrived at Sturm Graz in the January transfer window on a five-month loan with no option to buy included in the deal. 

Sturm Graz want to re-engage Okonkwo for next season but another loan would only be possible if the goalkeeper extends his contract with the Gunners, which expires in June 2024.

Austria international Jörg Siebenhandl, who played second fiddle to Okonkwo in the second half of the 2022-2023 season, is leaving Sturm Graz upon the expiration of his contract next month, so the Austrian Cup winners are currently without a confirmed number one goalkeeper for next season. 

According to  90minuten, Sturm Graz are in pole position to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's Austria youth teamer, Matteo Bignetti, whose contract runs out in June and is also drawing interest from Venezia, Genoa and Mainz 05.

Okonkwo took part in eighteen matches across all competitions for Sturm Graz, keeping six clean sheets while conceding nineteen goals. 

Clubs in England and Germany are reportedly monitoring the situation of Okonkwo ahead of a potential swoop in the summer. 

The 21-year-old is currently behind Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner in the pecking order of goalkeepers at the Emirates Stadium. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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