Club chief confirms Sturm Graz face competition from English clubs to sign Arsenal GK Okonkwo 

Sturm Graz sports director Andreas Schicker has revealed that the Austrian Cup winners face competition from unnamed English clubs for the services of Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Sturm Graz have already started preparations for the new Bundesliga season but without the former England youth international of Nigerian descent. 

Okonkwo spent the second half of last season on loan at Sturm Graz and is back at Arsenal following the expiry of the agreement. 

In eighteen outings across all competitions during his loan spell, the Hale End Academy graduate posted six clean sheets while conceding nineteen goals. 

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.

The Austrian club have searched for alternatives to Okonkwo and are in concrete talks with two foreign goalkeepers who could be developed. 

Speaking on Okonkwo's possible return to Sturm Graz, Schicker was quoted as saying by Laola1:"We are still in the running for another loan, but there are also inquiries for him on the English market. 

"The tendency for goalkeepers is also young and capable of development,"

Although Okonkwo has yet to make his senior debut for boyhood club Arsenal, he has received ten call-ups to the first team for competitive matches including seven in the Premier League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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