WREXHAM have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a three-year deal.

Okonkwo, who enjoyed a successful season-long loan spell at The Racecourse from Arsenal in 2023-24, has agreed a contract until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 22-year-old first signed for the Reds on loan from the Premier League giants on transfer deadline day in September and he made 40 appearances in all competitions last term, keeping 16 clean sheets, as Wrexham finished finished runners-up in League Two to secure back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s history.

There was personal recognition for Okonkwo who was named in the League Two Team of the Season along with Reds’ team-mate Elliot Lee.

A free agent following his release by Arsenal, Okonkwo becomes Phil Parkinson's first new signing of the summer.

Parkinson is looking to strengthen his squad for Wrexham’s first campaign in League One since 2004-05 and Okonkwo, who attracted interest from other clubs, is delighted to be board.

On signing, he told the official club 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.”

Parkinson described the signing of Okonkwo, who previously had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz during the 2022-23 season, as a vital one.

The Reds' boss 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.

“It’s a great first signing of the summer for us.”