Arsenal have set their sights on acquiring an experienced goalkeeper to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
With the imminent departures of academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo and Estonian shot-stopper Karl Hein, the Gunners are actively searching for a reliable addition to provide cover for their prized assets, Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, it has been confirmed that the 21-year-old Okonkwo will be leaving Arsenal this summer after his contract expires.
Fabrizio tweeted: “It has been agreed that talented goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo (21) can leave Arsenal on a permanent deal this summer. His contract expires next summer – after Sturm Graz loan last season Okonkwo is now subject of interest from clubs in England and across Europe.”
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Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will leave the club this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
The talented goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Sturm Graz and has garnered interest from clubs in England and across Europe. Similarly, Hein, who was involved in Arsenal’s preseason tour in Germany and is with the squad in the US, may also be loaned out to gain valuable first-team experience.
The desire to solidify the squad comes as manager Mikel Arteta aims to compete fiercely with Manchester City in the title race and make a lasting impact in the UEFA Champions League next season. Arsenal’s ambition to challenge for major honors necessitates a robust and dependable goalkeeping department.
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein is also expected to leave the club this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s current roster boasts the most valuable goalkeeper in world football, Aaron Ramsdale, who is valued at an impressive £67.5m by CIES Football Observatory. Additionally, the US men’s national team’s first-choice goalkeeper, Matt Turner, also brings strength to the team’s goalkeeping options.
However, the impending departures of Okonkwo and Hein create a void that Arsenal intends to fill. To maintain a competitive edge in domestic and continental competitions, the club is actively searching for a seasoned goalkeeper to provide reliable backup to their established shot-stoppers.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s forgotten goalkeeper, Alex Runarsson, has returned from a loan spell at Alanyaspor in Turkey. Despite his return, it appears that he is not in Mikel Arteta’s future plans, and the Iceland international is expected to depart the club.
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