Hale End product Arthur Okonkwo will not sign a new contract and will leave Arsenal for free in the summer transfer window once his loan spell for Wrexham AFC expires.
The 22-year-old has thrived over his time at the Racecourse Ground so far this season. But his performances in north Wales will now be his CV for potential suitors as Okonkwo will not return to Arsenal. It is a parting of the ways after 14 years between the goalkeeper and club.
Okonkwo joined Arsenal’s academy system at the age of eight and rapidly rose their ranks in north London. His Under-18s debut arrived at just 15 and U23s bow followed at 17 but first-team outings never arrived. The London-born star only made Mikel Arteta’s bench 10 times.
Arthur Okonkwo will leave Arsenal in a free transfer
Now, football.london reports that Arsenal will lose Okonkwo at the end of the season as the 6 ft 5 stopper will not sign a new contract. His terms expire in June and will allow him to agree a free transfer. The Gunners missed their chance to receive any fee for Okonkwo in January.
Arsenal let Okonkwo join Wrexham on a season-long loan last summer to give him a chance to gain exposure. But his move included a recall clause, yet the Gunners opted against using it before their deadline of January 21. So, he will now leave in a free transfer in the summer.
Arthur Okonkwo has been ‘exceptional’ at Wrexham
Okonkwo has often received praise for his displays with Wrexham as Phil Parkinson’s players target promotion from League Two. He moved to the Racecourse Ground on the back of the club re-joining the Football League. Yet the Red Dragons sit third in the table after 38 games.
Parkinson noted that Okonkwo has ‘real potential’ in November after emerging as his team’s No1 shot-stopper. The Wrexham boss even doubled down by describing the former England youth goalie as ‘exceptional’ during January after Arsenal elected against recalling Okonkwo.
The Hale Ender became the Red Dragons’ No1 last September after starting his loan as their No2 behind Mark Howard. Okonkwo has since started all 28 of his League Two appearances and has kept 11 clean sheets. He ranks fifth in the League Two Golden Glove race at present.