22 June 2024 , 15:16
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Wrexham have announced their first signing of the off-season, bringing back goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a permanent deal after he left Arsenal.
The Red Dragons were expected to be involved in a battle to sign the impressive young shot-stopper, with The Athletic reporting that they'd be 'in a scramble' to acquire him. But they've the return of Okonkwo on a three-year deal in a major coup for the Welsh club.
Okonkwo was brought in on loan last season to replace Ben Foster, who shocked the team when announcing his retirement just four games into the new season. The Arsenal loanee went on to play in 40 games in all competitions last season, keeping 16 clean sheets to help secure Wrexham a place in League One by finishing second in League Two.
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Wrexham had made Okonkwo their number-one option heading into the transfer window. They've now brought him in a long-term deal with the 22-year-old insinuating he had been looking to make the move permanent since his release from Arsenal.
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After re-signing with Wrexham on a permanent deal, Okonkwo said: "I’m feeling very good, I’m so happy to have finally signed and I can’t wait to get back to it. 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."
Okonkwo has signed a three-year contract with Wrexham (MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has shown his backing to Okonkwo, who now looks to be the club's first choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.
He told the club website: "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.
"It’s 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’s a great first signing of the summer for us."
Co-owner Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are now likely to turn their attentions to their attacking line, with a new forward to play alongside Paul Mullin expected to be on their radar. The club had also been linked with former Premier League midfielder Conor Hourihane, before he chose to sign with Barnsley in a player/coach role.