Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo, a product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, has permanently joined Wrexham after his contract with the club expired, Sportblog247.com reports.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper initially joined the Red Dragons on loan from Arsenal last summer for their League Two campaign, playing a key role in their promotion to the EFL League One. During his loan spell, Okonkwo made 40 appearances for Wrexham, 36 of which were in the league. He kept 14 clean sheets and saved a penalty, helping Phil Parkinson’s team move up another tier in English football.

Expressing his excitement about the move, 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,” he told Wrexham’s official website.

Before joining Wrexham, Okonkwo had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz during his time at Arsenal. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season.

Wrexham’s coach expressed his delight with the signing, stating, “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 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.”

Okonkwo, who has opted to switch his nationality to Nigeria after being approached by former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, has yet to receive a call-up to the national team.

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