English Premier League side Arsenal has signed an extended team contract with Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and has also promoted the goalkeeper to the first-team squad ahead of the 2021/22 English Premier League season. The club confirmed the signing of Okonkwo’s new contract in a statement released on their official website.
The 19-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper, who has been with Arsenal since their under-9 level, signed as a scholar in July 2018. He has been doing very well in the youth team and was very impressive throughout last season, which is why they have signed and promoted him.
Arthur Okonkwo will start regular training with the first team and travel with the matchday squad as the third goalkeeper on numerous occasions. He also made eight appearances at the youth level in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy. In 2018/19, Arthur made his Premier League 2 debut at just 17 years of age before winning the under-18 Premier League South.
During that season, he played between the two age groups, making 14 appearances across all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets in the process. Arthur will wear the number 33, which their former goalkeeper Petre Cech won for next season. The new contract is subject to the completion of regulatory processes. He is now the first player to arrive at Arsenal and they are also in talks with Ben White and Aouar before the transfer window closes.