Arsenal gem admits it has been so ‘tough’ to say his ‘goodbyes’ ahead of summer exit

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An Arsenal youngster has admitted that it has been tough to say goodbye to the club and teammates ahead of leaving this summer.

The end of the season is upon us, and with contracts expiring, Arsenal fans will soon have to prepare to say goodbye to a number of players who have been with the squad for years.

Whilst Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares are the two big ones from the senior team, several academy players are also due to depart with their contracts up this summer.

And one Hale End gem has already detailed how hard it has been to say farewell to Arsenal.

Arthur Okonkwo details Arsenal exit after contract expiration

Speaking to the Athletic, Arthur Okonkwo has revealed how difficult it was to leave Arsenal for good, with the 22-year-old goalkeeper due to become a free-agent this summer with his contract expiring.

Okonkwo said when asked about his departure from Arsenal: “I went to say my goodbyes at Arsenal the other day. That was tough, knowing I won’t be there any more. I’d been there so long. But it does feel like the right time.

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“The club is doing so well. You have to be one of the best to play for Arsenal. I have to follow my own career path and do what I need to do for myself. There are no hard feelings, we ended things very well. I had an incredible time — 14 years and I can still remember the first day I joined.

“I can never be more grateful to the club for what they have given me. And, you never know how football works, I could be back there one day.”

Okonkwo will flourish after a sensational year at Wrexham

After guiding Wrexham to League One promotion and being named in the League Two Team of the Season, Okonkwo will not be short of suitors this summer.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper is one of the most exciting young prospects in England in his position, and Arsenal are aware that they could have got a good fee for Okonkwo had his contract lasted an extra year.

Indeed, Okonkwo has the potential to become a real star at a good level in the years to come, and the youngster will flourish wherever he ends up this summer after leaving Arsenal for good.