Rob McElhenney has revealed that Wrexham are in talks over a deal to sign Arthur Okonkwo. Earlier this month, Arsenal announced that the 22-year-old goalkeeper will leave the Emirates Stadium following the expiration of his contract on June 30.
Despite impressing while on loan at the Welsh outfit, Mikel Arteta decided against offering Okonkwo a new deal, ending the youngster’s 15-year stay with the Gunners. He featured 36 times in League Two this season, conceding just 30 goals while recording 14 clean sheets.
Playing a key role in Phil Parkinson’s side, the former England Under-18 international helped Wrexham finish second and secure automatic promotion to League One. Now, with Okonkwo available on a free transfer, McElhenney is eager to wrap up a deal this summer.
In an interview with talkSPORT, the Wrexham co-owner claimed there’s a ‘very good chance’ they welcome the League Two goalkeeper of the season back to north Wales. McElhenney said: “There’s a very good chance.
“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.”
Then, when asked about Wrexham’s other transfer plans, he added: “We’re about to find that out this week. We go to Wrexham very soon and we’re going to sit down and talk about that with Phil [Parkinson].”
Last month, Parkinson first revealed Wrexham’s plan to sign Okonkwo on a permanent deal. He told BBC Sport Wales: “Obviously we’re keen to keep Arthur and we’re working on that. 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.”
“That’s keeping in touch with agents, looking at players who have been released, looking at players who have got one year left on their contract and who clubs are looking to sell.
“It’s a whole raft of players who could be available – players from Premiership clubs who could be available on loan. But the list changes – it’s a daily moving scenario really.”
