Arthur Okonkwo and James Hillson have been training with Arsenal first-team this week after Bernd number one goalkeeper Leno was ruled out for the foreseeable future.
It’s fair to say Neal Maupay is a persona non grata on the red half of North London these days.
Shortly before netting a brilliant clipped winner as Brighton came from behind to stun Arsenal at the Amex on Saturday, the tigerish striker got his claws stuck into one of Mikel Arteta’s talismen.
The Gunners have been heavily reliant upon the virtuoso brilliance of Germany international Leno this season.
And with the former Bayer Leverkusen stopper potentially set to miss the rest of the season after a collision with Maupay which sent sparks and accusations flying, the goalkeeping position has gone from an area to strength to a cause for concern for Mikel Arteta.
Emi Martinez is expected to stand in for Leno during the next few weeks but a place on the bench now appears to be up for grabs.
Matt Macey is the obvious option but, given that Arteta has placed plenty of faith in youth since taking over at the Emirates, don’t be surprised to see an unproven prospect promoted to the role of second choice.
According to AllNigeriaSoccer, 18-year-old Okonkwo is highly-rated at London Colney and, with talks undergoing over a new long-term contract, he has been spotted taking part in first-team training.
Okonkwo is not the only one.
In a video posted on Arsenal’s official website, another 18-year-old shot-stopper can be seen being put through his paces.
James Hillson signed an extended deal with the Gunners in May and he will now be hoping to be included in a matchday squad for the first time between now and August.
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