Arsenal are will offer a new long-term contract to youth goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The prospect’s deal with the Gunners expired last week.
According to Football London, the Hale End graduate is ‘highly likely’ to sign a deal with the Premier League side that will commit his long-term future to the club.
Okonkwo didn’t make a single first-team appearance last season for Arsenal. However, the 19-year-old shot-stopper is highly rated by the north London side, with the keeper featuring on the bench for the Gunners in UEFA Europa League games.
Moreover, Arsenal look set to sign a goalkeeper this summer. There are question marks over the future of Bernd Leno. Goal also report that the Gunners retain an interest in Ajax star Andre Onana.
The Gunners are also keen on Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale, who the Sheffield Star report is available for £40m. Indeed, the England international has been relegated twice in his past two seasons as a Premier League player.
Whilst fans debate which keeper the club should sign this summer, supporters on social media were happy that Arsenal were close to tying Okonkwo down to a new deal.
Here’s what some supporters had to say about the teenager keeper signing a new contract with Arsenal on Twitter…
Better than ramsdale!
— Pandemic Pep (@afc_anubhav) July 1, 2021
— Walid Arsenal ⚽️ (@1Walid1) July 1, 2021
Okonkwo is class have been rooting for him instead of Ramsdale.Give him regular time in 2 seasons he will be world class.WE need to get Ryan or Onana .
— Qarol Carol (@QarolCarol) July 1, 2021
Get in!! Great news!
— Arsenal Nayr | #KroenkeOut (@ArsenalNayr) July 1, 2021
— C'deep (@Chandradeep_) July 1, 2021
good news!
— Max ✍🏼 (@AFCMax9) July 1, 2021
With Alex Runarsson likely to go out on loan next season, there is a chance that Okonkwo could be the club’s second-choice keeper when the new campaign rolls around.
Mat Ryan is also looking unlikely to return to Arsenal following his release from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer. Celtic are reportedly keen on the Australian international according to Sky Sports News.