Wrexham sign Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on permanent deal

Wrexham AFC have announced the permanent signing of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who has agreed to a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Okonkwo, 22, originally joined Wrexham on loan from Arsenal on Transfer Deadline Day in September last year.

He made a significant impact, making 40 appearances and keeping 16 clean sheets as the Red Dragons secured promotion to League One by finishing second in Sky Bet League Two.

Upon signing, Okonkwo expressed his excitement, stating, “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.”

He added, “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, who had loan spells with Crewe Alex and Sturm Graz during his time with Arsenal, made his Wrexham debut against Newcastle Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

He then made his league debut against his former team, Crewe, and his performances earned him a spot in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised the signing, saying, “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 continued, "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.”

Okonkwo will officially join Wrexham on July 1 following his departure from Arsenal.