The future of Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been settled after he signed a permanent deal with newly promoted League One side Wrexham AFC.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with the Robins from Arsenal. After his release by the Gunners, the League One club has now signed him to a three-year contract.
New home for Arthur Okonkwo
Okonkwo played 40 games in all competitions for Wrexham last season, contributing to their promotion with 16 clean sheets to his credit.
The goalkeeper expressed his happiness about the permanent move in a statement to the club’s official website: “I’m feeling very good. I’m so happy to have finally signed and I can’t wait to get back to it,” he said.
“It was amazing last season. We had so many good memories together with the fans, and knowing they wanted me back was a big reason that I’m back. It’s good to finally be here.
“This is home; it’s felt like that since last season when I came in. The co-chairmen are so good, the manager, the coaches, the players, and obviously the backroom staff that you don’t see. It’s so good to be here.”
Arthur Okonkwo farewell to Arsenal
Okonkwo began his career at Arsenal, joining the club as an eight-year-old. He progressed through the academy setup, playing for the U18s and U23s, and has been capped by England at the U18 level.
He has also had loan spells in Austria with Sturm Graz and in England with Crewe Alexandra while under contract with Arsenal.
Last season, his performances on loan at Wrexham earned him a spot in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season as the club finished second and secured automatic promotion to League One.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed excitement about signing Okonkwo: “We’re delighted with the signing. It’s such an important one for us. Arthur was outstanding for us last year, and since the season finished, we’ve worked really hard to secure the signing. “Parkinson said.
“It is great credit to all the work that has gone on behind the scenes because it’s never straightforward, but we’ve always said it’s important to have perseverance to try and get your number one target – and Arthur certainly was that.
“It is a great first signing of the summer for us.” he added.
