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BY: ‘TANA AIYEJINA.
Arsenal loanee Ovie Ejeheri has expressed his concern regarding his current contract at Arsenal as it enters its final days, according to a recent interview with Finnish sports media outlet Mtvuutiset.
Ejeheri’s contract at the Emirates Stadium is set to expire July 12. Time is ticking, but as of yet, an official decision has yet to be made regarding the future of the 20-year-old shot-stopper.
The Greenwich-born goalkeeper has had an impressive run on loan at SJK this season. He has a stretch of six away games in which he kept consecutive clean sheets, only for this to be broken in a 1-1 draw with Ilves.
Regardless, he has helped SJK to a strong season so far in the Veikkausliiga – they currently sit third in the league table, just three points behind league leaders Kuopion Palloseura.
In the interview with Mtvuutiset, Ejeheri said, “I will have a short vacation when I return. I still don’t know what happens after that.
“I have really enjoyed being in Finland. The Finnish league is a very technical series, my passing skills have improved a lot here.”
If Arsenal allow Ejeheri’s contract to expire, it would not be a surprise to see him return to SJK for the beginning of next season. Not only was he routinely impressive between the sticks, he also reportedly enjoyed his time at the club.
Prior to his SJK move, earlier in the 2022/23 season, Ejeheri enjoyed a loan spell at Chelmsford City – he made 21 appearances in total for The Clarets.
For all of Ejeheri’s talents, it is difficult to argue his case for joining Arsenal’s senior team at this point. While he is a solid shot-stopper, he is prone to mistakes – additionally, he has yet to prove himself at the highest level.
Aaron Ramsdale was in inspired form for the majority of the 2022/23 season – it is difficult to make a case for Ejeheri to usurp his position at this point.
It may be worth the Gunners’ time and money to extend his contract by a further year – but as things stand, Ejeheri has yet to stake a serious claim in Arsenal’s senior 11.