By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Arthur Okonkwo has joined Austrian club, Red Bull Salzburg on loan for the rest of the season.
The 21-year-old recently returned from a loan stint at Crewe Alexandria.
The Austrian side are second in their domestic league, behind Red Bull Salzburg.
Their acquisition of Okonkwo demonstrates his development and playing at a higher level could further harness his skills.
Okonkwo will compete for a starting spot against Jorg Siebenhandl, who is Sturm Graz’s current No 1.
Siebenhandl, at 32 years old, has been capped twice by Austria’s national team.
Okonkwo was allowed to seal a temporary move away from the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta has goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner and Karl Hein in his disposal.
Ramsdale has made 19 appearances this season while Turner has played five times while deputising in the Europa League and FA Cup.
Okonkwo, who has a contract at Arsenal until June 2024, is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance.
He joined Arsenal’s academy in 2009.