Arsenal: 2 very important contracts to sort this summer

Arsenal Can’t Lose Arthur Okonkwo in Summer Transfer Window

More so than Taylor-Hart, Okonkwo already flirted with the senior set up last season and has been in and around the first team for large spells. Last term he made the bench on three occasions in the Europa League, including both legs of the semi-final against Villarreal, and regularly takes part in first team training.

An offer has been made to him and it’s vital that he be tied down. Only 19 years old, Okonkwo is considered one of the finest young talents at the club and at a point where the goalkeeping situation at Arsenal is far from cemented, a homegrown option such as him becomes even more important.

Bernd Leno’s future remains a source of uncertainty even if nothing is likely to happen on that front until after the Euros, although before that Andre Onana may be signed from Ajax. Whether Onana arrives being able to play again in August or February, it still spells the end for Leno.

Alex Runarsson was a wasted outlay and where possible will be moved on this summer, which starts to open up a pathway for Okonkwo. Just like all young players, offering them clarity of selection and their future is key. Okonkwo has that.

As for his ability, he wrestled his way past Karl Hein in the pecking order over the course of last season, and when featuring demonstrates strong penalty box commanding and sharp movement across the ground. His tall frame helps him in both aspects.

Highly-rated, deals such as these need concluding with a vision laid out for what may come.