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'Laca and Bernd have been a big help to me'

For any youngster, stepping up into the first-team environment can be a challenge - but Arthur Okonkwo had some big helping hands.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has been made to feel completely comfortable thanks to two of our senior players.

"I would say when I first went over, I would say Laca [helped me]," Okonkwo told Arsenal.com. 

"He always made me feel at home. With all the youngsters, he helps welcome everyone and speaks to you and tells you things to do, so he's been a big help. 

"I would also say Bernd. As a goalkeeper, he has made me feel very welcome from the first time I was up there with him so a big help from both of them.

"The goalkeepers' union is the best thing in any club, it's the closest family. We all help each other and for a goalkeeper you need that, wherever you are, it's so helpful for all goalkeepers."

So what has Mikel told Okonkwo about what he wants from him this season?

β€œThe boss has told me to get comfortable with the team," he said. "Get comfortable with the environment, and after that to push on, start to compete, and with the great goalkeepers we have here, I will be able to become a better goalkeeper.”

 

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