The Gunners are expected to be very active in this summer’s transfer window. All eyes will be on incomings, but quite a few players could leave the club as well.
Fabrizio Romano revealed yesterday that Amario Cozier-Duberry is set to leave the club. Now, another Hale End graduate has confirmed that he’s on his way out too.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has joined many others in sending him a farewell message on social media.
Ian Wright sends message to Arthur Okonkwo after he confirms Arsenal exit
Arthur Okonkwo joined Arsenal in 2008, when he was just eight years old.
The talented goalkeeper came through the ranks at the club’s academy and was always viewed as a player with immense potential.
Okonkwo came close to leaving Arsenal back in 2021, but Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay at the club. The youngster signed a new three-year contract then.
However, the former England U18 international didn’t get a single opportunity in a competitive game at the Emirates. He spent the last two seasons on loan – first at Crewe Alexandra, then at Sturm Graz and finally at Wrexham last term.
Okonkwo became a star in each of his loan spells, but there’s just no space for him at Arsenal right now. So, the Gunners decided to release the 22-year-old, and he has now confirmed his departure on Instagram.
“The time has come to say goodbye,” he wrote in an emotional post. “Having joined the Club in 2009 at 8 years old, I have so many incredible memories from over 15 years.
“I’ve made friends for life and owe so much to all the coaches I’ve worked with, team-mates I’ve played with, fans who’ve supported me and everyone involved with the Club for helping me grow and develop into the person and player I am today.
“Arsenal will always be special to me and I hope to see them be successful in the coming years. Thank you!”
Gunners icon Wright replied to his post by saying: “Thank you for your time. I hope you have all the success the hard work you put in deserves.”
Charlie Patino, who could also leave Arsenal, wrote: “All the best bro!”
Arsenal have chosen a penalty shootout hero over Okonkwo
David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale are Arsenal’s one and two in goal at the moment.
The best-case scenario for Okonkwo would’ve been the third-choice role, but Arsenal have placed their faith in Karl Hein instead
Reports have claimed that the Gunners have convinced the Estonian to sign a new contract at the club. Arsenal fans will remember his heroics in the friendlies in Dubai, when he saved four penalties in a single shootout against Lyon.
Hein, who is a full Estonia international, is the chosen one over Okonkwo, and it will be interesting to see if he’ll get any decent opportunities in the coming years.
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