Latest Arsenal transfer news includes an update on Arthur Okonkwo who enjoyed two loan spells with Crewe and Sturm Graz last season but could be on the move this summer
The future of Arsenal youngster Arthur Okonkwo will be on Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar's agenda this summer.
For the Gunners to receive a fee, ideally they would have to cash in on the 21-year-old during the summer transfer window, but if he's seen by Arteta and the coaching staff as a long-term competitor to Aaron Ramsdale in between the sticks then a contract extension could be in the pipeline.
Now, according to Goal, interest in Okonkwo is high following an impressive 2022/23 season which included two separate loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz. During his time with the latter, he won the Austrian Cup and kept six clean sheets in 19 appearances across all competitions.
So having left quite an impression, it's no surprise that Sturm Graz director Andreas Schicker has confirmed his side are in talks with Arsenal over a second loan, but has also revealed his side face competition from some unnamed clubs in England for the goalkeeper's signature.
"We are still in the running for another loan, but there are also inquiries for him on the English market," said Schicker, as per Austrian news site Laola1. "The tendency for goalkeepers is also young and capable of development."
Having said that, the Gunners could look to extend Okonkwo's deal before sending him out on loan once again. This would be done to protect his valuation - which according to some sources is around the £1.7million mark - and avoid the possibility of losing him for free next summer.
Alternatively, a permanent transfer could be the best option for all parties. After all, with Ramsdale and Matt Turner ahead of him in the pecking order at the moment, not to mention Karl Hein being installed as the third-choice option, it might be that Okonkwo's pathway to the top is away from Arsenal.