Arsenal confirmed on Friday that Arthur Okonkwo has joined League Two side, Crewe Alexandra, on a season-long loan.
The youngster has been at the club for more than a decade, having joined the Hale End academy at the age of eight. He has been a regular feature at the youth level for both Arsenal and the England national team.
The 20-year-old was promoted to the first team last season and has made the matchday squad seven times. However, he is yet to make his senior debut for the club.
Okonkwo penned down a new long-term contract at the Emirates last year. This loan move to Crewe Alexandra marks his first senior move away from the club. The Englishman has fallen down the pecking order as the Gunners already have five keepers competing for a spot in the squad.
The academy graduate took to Instagram to express his delight at joining the League Two side. He hopes to play a pivotal role in the club’s fight for promotion to League One this season.
Arsenal teammates, including Bukayo Saka and Albert Sambi Lokonga have all wished him luck. According to Fabrizio Romano, he is highly rated by the club and is considered to be a part of Arsenal’s future.
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Going out on a loan is always an important step in a young player’s development. Okonkwo has been with the youth team for long enough, and it is time he experiences regular first-team football. If he stays at Arsenal this season, he wouldn’t be able to achieve that.
A switch to League Two seems like an ideal move for the goalkeeper. This is a perfect opportunity for him to prove his quality. Crewe do not have a settled first choice in their ranks, so he can establish himself as the starter for the team.
Arsenal have already tied his future down at the club, and it is clear that they want him to be part of their plans moving forward. Undoubtedly, he will be under the watchful eye of the club during his time at Crewe.
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