FA Cup Arsenal Team News : Okonkwo Promoted To Third Choice GK; Olowu Not In Matchday Squad

Published: January 09, 2021

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Nigeria-eligible glovesman Arthur Okonkwo is unlikely to make his professional debut for Arsenal when they tackle Newcastle United in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup this evening, barring a last minute change of mind by manager Mikel Arteta.

The former England U17 international trained with the first team at Arsenal Training Center on Friday after which the Spanish football tactician informed him he would be the third choice goalkeeper for the match against the Magpies.

Okonkwo is expected to be at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and would only be considered for the matchday squad if one of the two senior goalkeepers sustain an injury in the pre-match warm-up.

Regarding his future with Arsenal, his situation is similar to Folarin Balogun as his current deal expires in the summer of 2021 and the north London club have offered him a new three-year deal which he has not signed yet.

Meanwhile, Joseph Olowu has to wait for his first team debut for the Gunners as he has been left out of the matchday twenty by Arteta.

Another loan move is on the cards for the Nigerian-born center back before the close of the January transfer window.

Right-back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Tim Akinola and Miguel Azeez, and striker Folarin Balogun are the other Nigeria-eligible youngsters who trained with Arsenal's first team in their final workout on Friday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com