Arsenal recall highly talented shot stopper from club as he joins SK Sturm Graz till end of season

Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has bid farewell to the club after being recalled from loan by Arsenal and loaned to SK Sturm Graz for the remainder of the season.

In the summer of 2022, Okonkwo joined Crewe Alexandra in League Two in England on a season-long loan from Arsenal.

The 21-year-old has become a fan favorite among Crewe fans after making 26 appearances and keeping ten clean sheets since joining from Arsenal on the eve of the season.

He will continue his development on loan in the Austrian Bundesliga, and following the announcement, he expressed his gratitude to Crewe and their supporters on social media.

“What an incredible time I had,” he said. I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of the staff, managers, players, and fans for everything you’ve done to help me develop over the last six months.

“I will be eternally grateful for the role the club played in my career. You made me feel like I was one of your own. “Best wishes for the rest of the season.”

Crewe used Dave Richards in goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Mansfield, and they also recalled Tom Booth from his loan at Nantwich Town. Booth had been on loan with the Dabbers since October and was on the Crewe bench at Field Mill.

The young goalkeeper will join Sturm Graz, who are currently second in the Austrian Bundesliga table with 33 points from 39 games, six points behind leaders FC Red Bull Salzburg.

Okonkwo would not be the first Arsenal player to be recalled and re-loaned this month, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Miguel Azeez already doing so.