Nigerian-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been included in Arsenal’s pre-season squad to the United States of America.
The 20-year-old was born in England and has represented the Three Lions at the youth level. However, he’s still eligible to play for Nigeria through his Nigerian parents.
Okonkwo was named alongside in a 33-man list made up of seven African stars to include another Nigerian Folarin Balogun who returned from his loan spell at Middleborough last season.
Notable names from the continent like Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah also made the squad announced on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal’s first game will be against Everton on Saturday. Four days later, they head to Florida where they will try Orlando City for size before engaging Chelsea on July 23.
Arteta’s men finished fifth last season having accrued 69 points from 38 outings – a position which earned them a place in next season’s Europa League.
The North Londoners will commence their 2022-23 campaign against Crystal Palace on August 5 at Selhurst Park.
Full Arsenal squad to the USA
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Bernd Leno, Matt Turner, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Runarsson
Defenders: Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares, Gabriel, Pablo Mari, Ben White, Rob Holding, William Saliba, Hector Bellerin, Cedric Soares, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Reuell Walters
Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny, Lucas Torreira, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson
Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus, Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, Folarin Balogun, Marquinhos
