Crewe Alexandra are delighted to confirm the signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a season-long loan.

The highly-rated 20-year-old, hailed as a ‘huge talent’ by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, is seen as a key part of the future at Emirates Stadium and penned a long-term contract with the club last year.

Arthur stands at 6ft 6ins tall and was part of Arsenal’s 33-man tour to America earlier this summer.

Now the England youth international has been brought in to provide stiff competition for Dave Richards, in what is his first loan move.

Manager Alex Morris said: “We are delighted to sign Arthur. Arsenal have been exceptional in facilitating the deal, we have got a great relationship with them.

“He was our number one target right from the start of the summer. He has great stature, he’s a good shot-stopper and has a good record of saving penalties. I believe Arsenal have aspirations of him playing in their first team in the future but for now he is here to help us.”

Arthur, who will wear the number 13 shirt for Crewe, has been registered in time to be eligible for our first game of the League Two season at Rochdale tomorrow (Saturday, July 30, 3pm).

Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to welcome Arthur to the club and wish him all the very best for the 2022-23 campaign.