Report: Arsenal youngster who wowed Arteta last season now set for loan move in 22/23

By Lee Connor

Arsenal are planning to send young goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, out on loan this summer as the youngster looks to develop his career.

According to The Athletic, Okonkwo is set to be offered up to interested clubs as the Gunners look to get the youngster vital first-team experience. It comes after the 20-year-old spent the majority of this season training with the Arsenal first-team. Indeed, it’s claimed Mikel Arteta is high on Okonkwo and rates him highly.

However, with the incoming signing of Matt Turner and Karl Hein also on the books, Okonkwo is expected to be the one who is allowed to leave London Colney for experience. It remains to be seen whether there’ll be interest from Championship or League One clubs. Further, a move abroad is also not completely off the table given Arsenal’s reach.

Okonkwo, who stands at 6ft 5″, was promoted to full first-team training last season after impressing at under-23s level.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to be in for a busy summer in the transfer window. As well as the signing of the aforementioned Turner, the Gunners want a number of new players for key positions. A number nine is, as we know, a priority.

TBR’s View: Loan Move For Okonkwo Is The Right Call By Arsenal

All goalkeepers need first-team exposure and Okonkwo is no different. Yes, he’s talented. But there is a big difference in being a talent and doing well in training and then producing on matchday. You only get that experience from playing first-team football.

Okonkwo will be an attractive proposition for a number of clubs. Young, athletic, and highly-rated by a top Premier League club, there is a lot to like.

Hopefully, Okonkwo gets the nod from a Championship club. That would be perfect for him, although, League One would not be the end of the world either.