Okonkwo reports for pre-season training at Arsenal amid transfer links

English Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has reported for pre-season training at Arsenal amid speculation linking him with a departure, whether on loan or a permanent transfer, from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Arsenal youth team guru Jeorge Bird has informed that Okonkwo is back in training with the Gunners. 

Before reporting for pre-season, he trained with football performance coach Luke Jones, who is  Head of Pro Direct Academy Watford.

The Hale End Academy product headed to Crewe Alexandra to experience his first taste of men's football in the first half of last season and was recalled from the League Two club in the winter transfer market ahead of another loan move to Sturm Graz. 

The Austrian Cup winners had been planning to sign him on a season-long loan for the 2023-2024 season but it is unlikely to happen following their capture of highly-rated Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Brighton & Hove. 

Teams in Germany and Football League clubs are believed to be monitoring the situation of the young goalkeeper, who has entered the final year of his contract at Arsenal. 

Okonkwo is currently behind Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner in manager Mikel Arteta's pecking order of goalkeepers, meaning he's unlikely to be given minutes should he remain at the Emirates Stadium. 

The 21-year-old has received seven call ups for Premier League games but was not utilized off the bench.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com