Arsenal youngster Arthur Okonkwo has confirmed he has left the Gunners – paving the way for a return to Wrexham.
The goalkeeper joined The Red Dragons on a season-long loan last September following Ben Foster’s shock retirement. Quickly winning the no1 spot, the 22-year-old played a vital role in the club securing promotion to League One.
His role was singled out for special praise by club co-owner Rob McElhenney, with the Hollywood star revealing earlier this month he was eager to bring Okonkwo back to north east Wales.
‘There’s a very good chance,’ the ‘Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ star told talkSPORT.
‘We’re talking to Arthur actively right now, we know he wants to come back to Wrexham and we definitely want him. It’s just about working out the right deal that works for everybody.’
A return to Wrexham now appears closer than ever with Okonkwo confirming his contract at Arsenal has now expired in an emotional post on Instagram, leaving him free to join a new club on a permanent basis.
‘The time has come to say goodbye to Arsenal,’ he wrote. Having joined the club in 2009 as an eight years old, I have so many incredible memories over 15 years.
‘I’ve made friends for life and owe so much to all the coaches I’ve worked with, teammates I have played with, fans who have supported me and everyone involved with the club for helping me grow and develop into the person and player I am today.
‘Arsenal will always be special to me and I hope to see them be successful in the coming years. Thank you.’
In addition to having the backing of the owners, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson also recently underlined his desire to see Okonkwo return to the club ahead of their season in English’s football’s third tier.
‘Obviously we’re keen to keep Arthur and we’re working on that,” Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.
‘It could take time but there’s one thing for sure, we’ll give it everything that we’ve got to keep Arthur at the club.’
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