Arsenal have captured one of their highly-rated youth players Arthur Okonkwo for a new long-term contract. And the Gunners have promoted the Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper to the first team ahead of the new season.

Okonkwo started his career with the club’s U-9 before making the grade to the club’s U-18 and U-23 youth teams.

He has featured in 11 Premier League 2 games for the Gunners U-23 side, keeping four clean sheets. The 19-year-old also made ten league appearances for the U-18 side, keeping five clean sheets.

Although he is yet to feature for the Gunners first team, he trained with the squad last season. And he even travelled with the team on some match days.

And as a result, the Gunners have taken the step to promote him to the first team as their third-choice goalkeeper.

The youngster is delighted after signing his deal. And he expressed his hope to be the Gunners first-choice goalkeeper in the future.

“To be from the academy to be able to come up to Colney, train, play in the under-18s, train, play in the under-23s and then move up and train with the first team, and then hopefully, one day, make my first-team debut… it’s a great feeling to be here.” Okonkwo said on Arsenal’s website.

Okonkwo was born in England. And he has represented the Three Lions at the youth level. However, he’s still eligible to play for the through his parents.