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Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will spend the second half of the season on loan at Austrian side Sturm Graz after being recalled from his spell at Crewe Alexandra.
The Athletic reported on Friday that Sturm Graz were in talks over a loan deal for the 21-year-old goalkeeper and his switch has now been confirmed.
“I’m happy to have landed here in Graz at SK Sturm, a big club in Austria,” Okonkwo said on joining his new club.
“I know that you have big ambitions and goals here — just like me personally, so I am convinced that I am in the right place for the next step in my development.
“I look forward to getting to know the team and doing my part next spring to ensure maximum success.”
Okonkwo impressed on loan at League Two Crewe, keeping 10 clean sheets in 34 appearances.
Arsenal have taken up their option to end his loan spell at Crewe early to send him to a higher quality league.
Sturm Graz are second in the Austrian Bundesliga, behind Red Bull Salzburg, and competed in the Europa League group stage earlier this season.
Their interest demonstrates Okonkwo’s 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, who has a contract at Arsenal until June 2024, is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for the north London side.
He joined Arsenal’s academy in 2009.
