Wrexham fans can finally celebrate the first signing of the summer after Phil Parkinson managed to convince a familiar face to return on a permanent basis.
Wrexham won promotion to League One more than two months ago now but transfer business has been a little slow in materialising.
Phil Parkinson allowed a string of players to leave the club at the end of their contracts with Luke Young, Ben Tozer and Aaron Hayden moving on.
That seemingly paved the way for new arrivals but Wrexham have so far been quiet in the transfer market.
Fans have been keen to see the latest addition to the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era – but the first summer signing is actually a returning figure…
Arthur Okonkwo signs for Wrexham
Wrexham started last season with Ben Foster in goal as the former England International looked to build on his promotion-winning heroics.
However, Foster retired just weeks into the League Two campaign, feeling that he simply wasn’t doing himself or Wrexham any favours by continuing to play.
That forced Wrexham back into the market for a new goalkeeper and in came Arthur Okonkwo.
The Arsenal talent penned a season-loan loan deal at the STōK Cae Ras and ended up becoming a firm fan favourite.
Wrexham supporters have been desperate for Okonkwo to return on a permanent basis – especially with Arsenal releasing him this summer.
McElhenney gave Wrexham fans hope of a deal earlier in June before Okonkwo said a final goodbye to Arsenal this weekend.
Despite major competition for Okonkwo’s signature, Wrexham have now managed to bring him back on a permanent basis.
Okonkwo has penned a three-year deal with Wrexham, marking an enormous coup for Parkinson and co, locking down a number one goalkeeper for years to come.
Phil Parkinson reacts to Okonkwo deal
That is one position sorted for Wrexham moving forward with Mark Howard signing a new one-year contract in recent days.
Luke McNicholas is also on board and boss Parkinson can be very happy with his goalkeeping options heading into the League One campaign.
Parkinson has now reacted to Okonkwo’s return, telling Wrexham’s official website that he is ‘delighted’ with the move.
The Wrexham boss noted that Okonkwo is ‘such an important’ signing having produced ‘outstanding’ displays last season.
Parkinson added praise for the work being done behind the scenes at Wrexham, feeling that a true top target has now been secured.
“We’re delighted with the signing. It’s such an important one for us,” said Parkinson. “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,” he added.
That is signing number one of the summer done and dusted, but Wrexham still need new faces.
Centre backs are an absolute priority and Parkinson will be keen to add midfielders too, with Okonkwo surely set to meet some new teammates in the coming weeks.
The post 'Outstanding': Phil Parkinson shares first reaction as Arthur Okonkwo signs Wrexham deal appeared first on The Wrexham Insider.