Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix with the January transfer window set to open at the end of the week.
However, there's another loan deal that the Gunners have to make a decision on in the coming days and it's in regard to young goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri. The 19-year-old has spent the first half of the season with National League South side Chelmsford City and it's important to note that his spell is currently set to end at the beginning of next month.
"Ovie Ejeheri has joined National League South side Chelmsford City on a short-term loan deal until January," a statement via Arsenal.com read during the summer. "We wish Ovie all the best for his loan spell at Chelmsford City and we look forward to seeing his continued development."
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As per transfermarkt, Ejeheri's deal with Chelmsford expires on January 1, 2023. With that in mind and taking into account Robbie Simpson's side are in action against Braintree Town on New Year's Day, it's safe to assume a decision whether or not to extend the goalkeeper's spell until the end of the season is imminent.
Judging by how the campaign has gone, a loan extension would suit both parties as the Arsenal wonderkid has certainly risen to the challenge of becoming the Clarets' first-choice goalkeeper and in the process proving Simpson right in bringing him to the Melbourne Stadium.
"We've had a few discussions with Arsenal on how we can build a relationship with them," Simpson said. "We had a chat about us loaning some of their younger players as they like what we’re doing at the club, so we told them what positions we were after and they wanted to get Ovie out on loan so they sent us a few clips of him.
"We’re after competition for places this season so we wanted someone to fight for the number 1 jersey along with Jacob Marsden. Jacob had his first season as a 1st choice keeper last season and when we brought Kai McKenzie-Lyle in last season as competition, we found that Jacob’s performances in training went up a level so it’s something we wanted to do for the upcoming season and have that battle for the shirt again.
"Ovie fits that bill completely as he wants to play and get that experience in men’s football. He’s a big, strapping lad at 6ft 5in so he can dominate his box but as well as that because of his schooling at Arsenal he’s very good with his feet so he can play out from the back as well. He’s got great power and agility to make saves.
"He's a really exciting signing for us, so we can’t wait to welcome him into the building and start hopefully what will be a really good relationship with Arsenal."
In 20 appearances for Chelmsford across all competitions so far this season, Ejeheri has kept 10 clean sheets. Furthermore, on several occasions, his displays have been praised by the City manager and his most recent outing - the reverse fixture against Braintree on Boxing Day - saw him win the man-of-the-match award and subsequently make the National League South team of the week.
Of the 24 Arsenal players out on loan this season, Ejeheri has already proven to be a success story as his development has certainly been aided by regular first-team football. For that reason, it should make the decision to extend his deal until the end of the campaign all the more easier.
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