Wrexham sign goalkeeper Okonkwo on permanent deal

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Arthur Okonkwo made 40 appearances in all competitions for Wrexham last season

Wrexham have signed goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a three-year deal following his release from Arsenal.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at the club, helping them win promotion into League One.

Okonkwo, who kept 16 clean sheets during the season, will join the club on 1 July when his contract with Arsenal expires.

"I鈥檓 feeling very good, I鈥檓 so happy to have finally signed and I can鈥檛 wait to get back to it," said Okonkwo.

"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鈥檓 back. It鈥檚 good to finally be here.

"This is home, it鈥檚 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鈥檛 see. It鈥檚 so good to be here."

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had previously spoke of his desire to bring Okonkwo back to the Racecourse, and said it is "a great first signing of the summer".

鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted with the signing. It鈥檚 such an important one for us," said Parkinson.

鈥淎rthur was outstanding for us last year, and since the season finished we鈥檝e worked really hard to secure the signing."

Meanwhile, defender Aaron James is the latest player to agree a new one-year contract with the League One-bound club.

The 18-year-old signed his first professional deal in December 2021 and made his debut against Altrincham in the FA Trophy in January 2023.

He made his first league start for Wrexham against Salford City last season.

鈥淚鈥檝e had a really good season last season and it鈥檒l be good to push on, get some more experience and hopefully get a few more games on a regular basis,鈥 James said.

鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to sign a new deal. My family are from the area and it鈥檒l be great to continue here, continue growing and developing with the club next year as well.鈥

Veterans Mark Howard and Steven Fletcher have also signed one-year contract extensions with the north Wales side.