Jubilation As Arsenal Hand English Football Star of Nigerian Descent 1st Professional Contract

• Arsenal have handed their academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo a long term deal after impressing during training sessions last season
• The youngster joined the club at the age of nine and has grown through the ranks thereby earning a spot in the first team
• Mikel Arteta is also delighted to have the goalkeeper join his squad for competition next campaign

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English football star of Nigerian descent Arthur Okonkwo has signed his first professional contract with Arsenal on a long-term basis.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper who joined the Gunners academy at age nine will be the North Londoners' third keeper next season and he will wear jersey number 33.

Okonkwo was rewarded with the deal following his impressive performances during training sessions with the first team last term.

Arsenal confirmed on their official website that the shot-stopper made eight appearances at youth level in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.

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The English star was included in the Emirates Stadium outfit's Europa League squad after Runar Alex Runarsson was left out of the team last campaign as reported by Football London.

What Arteta said about the young goalkeeper

Arthur will now be Mikel Arteta's third-choice goalkeeper from the coming season and the Gunners boss is delighted the youngster committed his future to the club. Arteta said:

“We welcome Arthur to the first-team squad. We are so happy another academy player has come through our system at the club. Together with Arthur’s huge talent and hard work, we thank our colleagues at the academy for developing Arthur in recent years to get to this stage, they are doing great work with the players’ development here and should be really proud.

“Arthur was working and travelling a lot with the first team last season and we have all seen his quality at first hand. He is a strong young goalkeeper with great potential and we’re so pleased he has signed a new deal. He has absolutely earned his place in the first-team squad.

Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Arthur on his new contract and we look forward to his continued development.

Matteo Guendouzi sends emotional goodbye to Arsenal fans

Legit.ng earlier reported that Matteo Guendouzi has admitted he is excited after sealing a stunning season-long loan move to Marseille.

The Frenchman spent the better part of last season on loan with Hertha Berlin where he was impressive before he suffered a season-ending injury.

However, he now appears to be raring to go again after moving to Marseille in another loan deal which includes an option to buy.