Arsenal has decided to part ways with 22 players this summer, including Nigerian-born goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Ovie Ejeheri.
Arthur Okonkwo, born in England to Nigerian parents, has been with Arsenal since his youth. Despite being promoted to the senior team on July 1, 2021, and going on loan to several lower-division clubs like Wrexham, Okonkwo couldn’t secure a contract renewal with the Gunners. Once his contract ends on June 30, 2024, he will be a free agent. Okonkwo, 22, has expressed his openness to playing for either Nigeria or England, but neither country has made an official approach yet.
Similarly, Ovie Ejeheri, born in England to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, has also been released by Arsenal. The 18-year-old goalkeeper had two loan spells during his time with the club, but they weren’t enough to earn him a longer stay at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s statement on Monday, June 3, included the release of these players: “We are saying goodbye to the following men’s players and scholars, and have also included the three women’s players we have previously announced will also be departing.”
This decision marks the end of an era for these young talents at Arsenal, as they now look ahead to new opportunities and challenges in their football careers.
Below are the released players:
Mauro Bandeira
Omari Benjamin
Luis Brown
Catalin Cirjan
Noah Cooper
Sabrina D’Angelo
Henry Davies
Ovie Ejeheri
Mohamed Elneny
Taylor Foran
Hubert Graczyk
James Hillson
Henry Jeffcott
Tyreece John-Jules
Alex Kirk
James Lannin-Sweet
Kaylan Marckese
Vivianne Miedema
Arthur Okonkwo
Kamarni Ryan
Cedric Soares
Kido Taylor-Hart
The statement added, “The following players’ contracts also expire on June 30 (Amario Cozier-Duberry, Karl Hein and Reuell Walters).
“Discussions are ongoing and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course.”
