Wrexham have announced the permanent signing of Arthur Okonkwo on a free transfer.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper was originally loaned to the Red Dragons from Arsenal for the League Two season last summer.
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Okonkwo made 40 appearances for the club, including 36 in the league, and helped the Welsh team to their second consecutive promotion.
Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney revealed to The Pitch Prospect earlier this month that they were in talks to re-sign him after it was confirmed he would leave Arsenal.
His final move is now complete and McElhenney announced the deal with a witty post on social media.
Shortly after X’s confirmation, he posted a picture of the cartoon character Arthur with the caption: “Oh, hello :)”
Okonkwo, who signed a contract with Wrexham until 2027, has ended his 15-year stay at Premier League giants Arsenal.
However, he is excited to start a new chapter away from London, as he told Wrexham’s website: “I feel really good, I’m so happy to have finally signed and I can’t wait to get started again.”
“Last season was incredible. We have so many great memories with the fans and knowing that they wanted me back was a big reason for me to come back.
“It’s nice to finally be here. This is my home, that’s how it’s felt since last season when I came here.”
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“The co-chairmen are so good, the manager, the coaches, the players and of course the team behind the scenes that you don’t see. It’s so nice to be here.”
Head coach Phil Parkinson added: “We are delighted with the signing. It is of great importance to us.”
“Arthur was outstanding for us last year and since the end of the season we have worked really hard to secure the signing.
“It’s thanks to all the work that’s been done behind the scenes because it’s never easy but we’ve always said it’s important to have perseverance to try and achieve your ultimate goal – and Arthur was certainly that goal.
“It’s a great first signing of the summer for us.”
Okonkwo rose through the Arsenal academy but did not play for the senior team.
He played on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham for the 2023/24 season.
The 22-year-old was signed after Ben Foster’s retirement from football and quickly established himself as their number 1.
Okonkwo kept 14 clean sheets on Wrexham’s way to promotion to League One and was named in the League Two team of the season.