Austrian Bundesliga side SK Sturm Graz, through their sports director Andreas Schicker, have confirmed that Arsenal’s London-born Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is a player of interest.
Okonkwo could be signed as a potential replacement for Austria international Jörg Siebenhandl, whose contract at SK Sturm Graz runs out at the end of the season and it won’t be extended.
The Hale End Academy graduate was loaned out to League Two club Crewe Alexandra for the entirety of the season last summer, meaning he has to be recalled by his parent club Arsenal before the deal can go through.
Under the FIFA Transfer Regulations, Okonkwo can be registered by a third club and play for Sturm Graz in the second half of the season as he has yet to make a single appearance for Arsenal this term.
Sturm Graz are hopeful of getting the deal over the line before the start of their training camp in Belek, Turkey on January 16.
Reacting to reports linking Okonkwo with a transfer to Sturm Graz this month, Schicker told the online edition of Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung : “He’s one of our list. It may be that it will be quick now, because we would like to have the additions in Turkey.”
The 21-year-old Okonkwo has impressed during his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra, keeping ten clean sheets in 26 all-competition appearances
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