PHIL PARKINSON described landing goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as a "statement signing" and he's optimistic more quality additions will follow.

Okonkwo became the first new recruit of the summer when he put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Having enjoyed a successful season-long loan at The Racecourse from Arsenal in 2023-24 when he helped Wrexham finish runners-up in League Two, there was a lot of interest in Okonkwo following his release by the Premier League giants.

But perseverance paid off for Parkinson when he finally got his man.

"We are pleased Arthur has joined us permanently. It is a great signing for us," said the Reds' boss.

"We know what he is capable of with the season he had last year.

"His profile as a goalkeeper, inevitably there was going to be a lot of interest in him in the summer and there was a lot of hard work behind the scenes to secure Arthur's signing.

"Credit to everybody getting the deal done. It is important that we work hard to secure the players we really feel can make a difference.

"We feel that Arthur is one of those who is going to keep improving. He is still young for a goalkeeper.

"He has had a couple of seasons now at first-team level and he is a really good character as well. We wanted him to stay with us in the long-term.

"I am delighted he had joined us and it is a statement signing."

Okonkwo made 40 appearances in all competitions last term, keeping 16 clean sheets, as Wrexham secured a second promotion in a row 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 and Parkinson said keeping the 22-year-old was a priority.

With Okonkwo now on board, the Reds' boss is looking to add more new signings before the new League One campaign kicks off on August 10 at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

"Arthur was a player in all the staffs mind that we really wanted to get on board as soon as the season finished because he is a really good goalkeeper," added Parkinson.

"It is a key signing for us and we are pleased to get it done.

"It's taken a bit of time but as I've said before, sometimes signings do for a variety of reasons.

"But we were able to secure the signature and I was pleased to get it done before pre-season starts.

"There were offers for him to go to a higher level but I think Arthur's experience here was a very positive one.

"I am sure supporters will be excited about the signing and hopefully there will be a few more key additions before the season starts."