ARTHUR OKONKWO held talks with other clubs but the goalkeeper says re-joining Wrexham "made the most sense" and he's delighted to sign for a team that's "on the up".

The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful season-long spell at The Racecourse from Arsenal in 2023-24 and has agreed a contract until the end of the 2026-27 campaign following his release by the Premier League giants.

Phil Parkinson was eager to complete the permanent signing of Okonkwo who made 40 appearances in all competitions last season, 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, but he faced competition from other clubs.

However, Okonkwo opted to stay at Wrexham and he says it was an easy decision in the end because he enjoyed his time in north Wales and believes the success story can continue.

"I did have a few clubs from higher leagues interested but I knew Wrexham really wanted to sign me and they were the club I had most dialogue with," said Okonkwo, who becomes Parkinson's first new signing of the summer.

"They were the club that made the most sense to me.

"You always have to make the right decisions for you as a player and I am happy with the decision I made in the end.

"Everything was so positive about my time at Wrexham last season and it was a huge reason why I re-signed.

"The fans helped so much and everyone around the club as well.

"The project at the club is so big and the team is on the up.

"We are going to be pushing for things and that is the environment I want to be in."

Okonkwo played his part as Wrexham finished last season strongly to go straight up to League One.

"We won the last five games which was amazing," said Okonkwo.

"Even the games we lost last season, it is all experience; it is all part of it.

"If you don't have those loses, it doesn't make a season.

"I enjoyed every moment and winning promotion was brilliant."

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

"It is good to get recognition and know that I did well enough to have teams wanting to sign me," he said.

"I am happy to sign for Wrexham and hopefully there are more good days ahead."

Okonkwo came through the ranks at Arsenal but he says it was the right time to leave the club.

"I went in after we got back from Las Vegas and saw everyone," he added.

"Arsenal have been so good with me throughout the years I was there.

"It is never easy leaving your childhood club but it felt like the right time.

"I am in a place where I want to play football.

"They are really happy that I am progressing so it ended in a good place and everyone was happy."