Wrexham co-owner reveals ‘active talks’ over Arthur Okonkwo deal after Arsenal release


Rob McElhenney has revealed to The Pitch Prospect that Wrexham are in talks to bring Arthur Okonkwo back to the club.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper is a free agent after his release from Arsenal.

McElhenney says Wrexham is in direct talks to bring Okonkwo back to the racetrack

3

McElhenney says Wrexham is in direct talks to bring Okonkwo back to the racetrack.

Okonkwo spent most of last season on loan at Wrexham after Premier League veteran Ben Foster suddenly left the club.

He filled the former England international’s boots and gloves superbly and played a key role in their promotion to League One as Phil Parkinson’s team secured their second successive promotion.

The young goalkeeper played in 40 matches in all competitions and kept a clean sheet in 14 league games.

Despite his exploits on the racetrack, he was not offered a contract extension in north London and Okonkwo was one of 22 players on the Gunners’ departure list at the end of the season.

But Arsenal’s loss could now be Wrexham’s gain, with McElhenney telling The Pitch Prospect they would like to bring him back to North Wales.

When asked if there was a good chance of Okonkwo returning to Wrexham this summer, he said: “The chance is very good.”

“We are actively talking to Arthur at the moment. We know he wants to return to Wrexham and we definitely want him.

“It’s just about working out the right deal that works for everyone.”

Okonkwo did not play a single game for the Gunners

3

Okonkwo did not play a single game for the Gunners.

When asked about Wrexham’s further transfer plans for the summer – and given the great excitement at the club following two consecutive promotion seasons – the American co-chairman revealed that he would be coming to the club soon to discuss possible deals.

“We’ll find out this week,” McElhenney added.

Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds announce plans for major stadiums, including expanding the Racecourse Ground to 45,000 to 55,000 seats

“We are going to Wrexham soon and will sit down with Phil and talk about it. [Parkinson].”

Okonkwo quickly established himself as the club’s first choice following his arrival last season.

In total, he played 36 games in League Two, keeping 14 clean sheets and helping Wrexham return to League One for the first time since 2005.

McElhenney spoke from the Philadelphia Phillies dugout before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the MLB London Series against the New York Mets.

McElhenney spoke to The Pitch Prospect before throwing the first pitch at the 2024 London Series

3

McElhenney spoke to The Pitch Prospect before throwing the first pitch at the 2024 London Series.

The two-match series will be played at a completely rebuilt London stadium – the home of West Ham United.

It was the Wrexham boss’s first visit to the stadium and he hopes it won’t be too long before he is back to see the Welsh club compete in the Premier League.

“This is my first time at the London Stadium – it’s great,” he said.

“West Ham playing here? I know it will be a few years away, but hopefully we’ll see Wrexham play West Ham here at some point.”