Arsenal youth goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has completed a loan move to League Two club Crewe Alexandra and they have hailed Arsenal for helping to facilitate the deal.

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Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo warming up before the UEFA Europa League match at Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal. Copyright: Focus Images

All Nigeria Soccer initially reported that Arsenal’s Arthur Okonkwo would be joining a League Two club on loan on Friday, before hinting it would be Crewe Alexandra.

Arsenal and Crewe have now both confirmed the move.

Crewe manager Alex Morris said: “We are delighted to sign Arthur. Arsenal have been exceptional in facilitating the deal, we have got a great relationship with them.

“He was our number one target right from the start of the summer. He has great stature, he’s a good shot-stopper and has a good record of saving penalties. I believe Arsenal have aspirations of him playing in their first team in the future but for now he is here to help us.”

This move will be Okonkwo’s first opportunity in senior football.

The goalkeeper was a regular in first-team training with Arsenal in 2021/22, featuring on the bench in seven Premier League matches last campaign.

But with so many goalkeepers at Arsenal right now, chances to actually feature on the pitch have been few and far between.

The Gunners had Aaron Ramsdale and Bernd Leno to choose between last season, two top keepers. Though Leno appears to be departing, new signing Matt Turner and returning loanees Runar Alex Runarsson and Karl Hein are keeping the squad busy.

Villarreal CF v Arsenal - UEFA Europa League - Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo warming up before the UEFA Europa League match at Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal. Copyright: Focus Images
Villarreal CF v Arsenal – UEFA Europa League – Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo warming up before the UEFA Europa League match at Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal. Copyright: Focus Images

Okonkwo’s best bet at regular football was always going to be a loan, and reports have been linking him with one all summer.

Arsenal have now found a club for the tall 20-year-old, and it’s up to him to show what he can do now.