Teenager Ovie Ejeheri narrowly missed out on a place in Mikel Arteta’s squad for Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Watford on Sunday, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.
Arsenal are hardly lacking in the goalkeeping department. £24 million summer signing Aaron Ramsdale has been so impressive Germany international Bernd Leno has had to endure a watching brief of late.
Karl Hein, meanwhile, has more caps for Estonia than Leno has for Hansi Flick’s 2014 world champions and that’s without mentioning Arthur Okonkwo, the highly rated academy graduate labelled “incredible” after a man of the match performance against Manchester City U23s.
It seems 18-year-old Ejeheri is making quite the impression too.
Does Ovie Ejeheri have a big future at Arsenal?
According to All Nigeria Soccer, Ejeheri joined the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Emile Smith Rowe and Ben White in the home dressing room as Arsenal narrowly defeated Claudio Ranieri’s Watford.
Ejeheri wasn’t included in the match-day squad but the fact Arteta opted to bring him along – giving the youngster a taste of what it’s like to be a first-team Premier League performer – bodes well for his future at the north London giants.
Ejeheri, who joined Arsenal’s academy aged eight, has made four appearances at Premier League 2 level this season and signed his first professional contract in August.
“It’s a very special day for me,” Ejeheri said when he signed the deal. “My mum and dad have helped me my whole career, taking me to training, even when it was very hard for them, so it’s a good moment for me and them. I’m really excited to keep this journey going.”
Goalkeepers are obviously at the forefront of Arteta’s mind. Arsenal have been linked with big-money moves for Barcelona’s Brazil international Norberto Neto and Ajax contract-rebel Andre Onana recently as Leno’s future remains uncertain at the Emirates.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
