Wrexham confirm transfer for versatile player with hilarious Rob McElhenney post

Wrexham have announced the permanent signing of Arthur Okonkwo on a free transfer.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper initially signed for the Red Dragons on loan from Arsenal last summer for their League Two campaign.

Okonkwo made 40 appearances for the club, 36 of which came in the league to help the Welsh outfit seal back-to-back promotions.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney revealed to talkSPORT earlier in the month that they were in talks to sign him again after it was confirmed he would leave Arsenal.

His permanent transfer has now been completed, with McElhenney helping to announce the deal with a funny post on social media.

Taking to X shortly after it’s confirmation, he posted an image of the cartoon character Arthur, with the caption: “Oh hello :

Okonkwo, who has signed a deal with Wrexham until 2027, has called time on a 15-year stay with Premier League giants Arsenal.

But he is delighted to embark on a new chapter away from London, as he told Wrexham’s website: “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.”

Boss Phil Parkinson added: “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.

“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 rose through the ranks in the Arsenal academy, but didn’t make an appearance for the senior side.

He played on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before sealing a move to Wrexham for the 2023/24 campaign.

The 22-year-old was signed following Ben Foster’s retirement from football and was quick to establish himself as their no.1.

Okonkwo kept 14 clean sheets in the league en route to Wrexham’s promotion to League One and was named in the League Two Team of the Season.