Arsenal’s Arthur Okonkwo has been recalled from Crewe Alexandra and re-loaned out to SK Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Arthur Okonkwo signing for Sturm Graz (Photo via Sturm Graz)
Arthur Okonkwo signing for Sturm Graz (Photo via Sturm Graz)

On Monday morning, Arsenal, Crewe Alexandra, and SK Sturm Graz all confirmed that Arthur Okonkwo has been recalled from his loan in Crewe to go and join Sturm Graz, in a loan deal to the end of the season.

Okonkwo had kept 10 clean sheets in the first half of the campaign with League Two side Crewe, but he’ll now get the chance to play for a team fighting at the top of the table in their top domestic league.

The Arsenal 21-year-old will wear the number one shirt at Sturm Graz, who are second in the Austrian Bundesliga, six points behind RB Salzburg.

Sturm Graz were also in the Europa League this season, finishing bottom of their group despite getting exactly the same number of points as the team that finished top!

Europa League Group F standings
Europa League Group F standings

It’s certainly a bit of a jump from League Two football, and Okonkwo will likely have a tougher task nailing down the first-choice goalkeeper spot than he did at Crewe.

But a new challenge is just what you want from a loan spell, and this is certainly a very good opportunity for the young goalkeeper.

Arthur Okonkwo saves a penalty for Crewe Alexandra (Photo via Crewe Alexandra on Twitter)
Arthur Okonkwo saves a penalty for Crewe Alexandra (Photo via Crewe Alexandra on Twitter)

The Crewe fans were disappointed to see Okonkwo go, and sent him plenty of nice messages after the announcement:

  • @andycCAFC: “Good luck Arthur. Shame see you leave. Been top-class for us. Got a bright career ahead of you.”
  • @ash_c88: “Was a brilliant addition for us…At least we had 6 months of watching him [develop]. Good luck Arthur with the rest of your career.”
  • @charledxo: “Thank you so much, Okonkwo. If it wasn’t for you we would have had so many more goals [conceded].”
  • @1985Pete: “Been outstanding for us since he joined. Big future ahead of him.”
  • @PaulNevitt16: “Thanks for putting in some tremendous performances including 10 clean sheets. Some outrageous saves! All the best for the future.”