One of Arsenal‘s first-team goalkeepers has revealed that he has already said his goodbyes to the club ahead of an expected exit this summer.
Twenty-two-year-old Arthur Okonkwo – who has spent the season on loan at Wrexham – is out of contract at the end of the season and has seemingly not been offered an extension.
The former England Under-18 international has been on the books in North London since 2009, but he has failed to make a single senior competitive appearance, only getting as far as the bench in the Premier League and Europa League.
However, Okonkwo has made a name for himself during loan spells with Crewe Alexandra, Sturm Graz and most recently Wrexham, keeping 14 clean sheets in 36 League Two matches during the 2023-24 campaign.
Okonkwo’s efforts helped the Welsh outfit secure back-to-back promotions, and an intense scramble for his services between EFL clubs – including Wrexham – is expected to materialise this summer.
Speaking to The Athletic, the shot-stopper confirmed that he would be heading for the Emirates exit door when his deal runs out this summer, but he left the door open to rejoining his boyhood club at some point in the future.
“I went to say my goodbyes at Arsenal the other day. That was tough, knowing I won’t be there any more,” Okonkwo said. “I’d been there so long. But it does feel like the right time. The club is doing so well.
“You have to be one of the best to play for Arsenal. I have to follow my own career path and do what I need to do for myself. There are no hard feelings, we ended things very well.
“I had an incredible time — 14 years and I can still remember the first day I joined. I can never be more grateful to the club for what they have given me. And, you never know how football works, I could be back there one day.”
Asked about what the future might entail, Okonkwo said: “I haven’t looked too much into things at the moment. But I will, very soon. It is about looking at all my opportunities and seeing which is the best for me. I’ve loved it at Wrexham and they will stay in my heart forever. It’s more of a waiting game now and seeing what is the right move for myself.”
Now that Okonkwo’s departure has been confirmed, attention will turn to two other Arsenal goalkeepers who could be following him out of the club this summer, one out of contract and another out of favour.
Karl Hein – who has served as third choice behind David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale this season – could depart as a free agent at the end of June, and it is unclear if there are any talks ongoing to extend his contract.
Meanwhile, an exit is anticipated for Ramsdale, who spent two seasons as Arteta’s undisputed number one but has been mercilessly demoted to number two behind Brentford loanee Raya, whose stay will be made permanent this summer.
The Englishman’s spot in Gareth Southgate‘s Euro 2024 squad is not believed to be in any danger, but Arsenal are braced for him to push for a move away in order to earn regular minutes elsewhere.
