Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo admits he's "loved it" at Wrexham but his future is up in the air after leaving Arsenal.
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Okonkwo joined Wrexham on loan last seasonLinked with permanent move after promotionEx-Arsenal goalkeeper keeping options openWHAT HAPPENED?
The 6ft 6in stopper joined Wrexham on loan from Arsenal last September following Ben Foster's retirement. The 22-year-old played a big part in securing the Welsh side's promotion out of League Two by keeping 14 clean sheets in 36 starts – earning himself a place in the division's team of the year in the process. Now he's a free agent, Okonkwo has spoken about his future, while keeping his cards close to his chest.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ARTHUR OKONKWO SAID
He told The Athletic: “I haven’t looked too much into things at the moment. But I will, very soon. It is about looking at all my opportunities and seeing which is the best for me. I’ve loved it at Wrexham and they will stay in my heart forever. It’s more of a waiting game now and seeing what is the right move for myself.”
Okonkwo also admitted he's already said his goodbyes to Arsenal, adding: “I went to say my goodbyes at Arsenal the other day. That was tough, knowing I won’t be there any more. I’d been there so long. But it does feel like the right time. The club is doing so well.
“You have to be one of the best to play for Arsenal. I have to follow my own career path and do what I need to do for myself. There are no hard feelings, we ended things very well. I had an incredible time — 14 years and I can still remember the first day I joined. I can never be more grateful to the club for what they have given me. And, you never know how football works, I could be back there one day.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's newly-promoted League One side are working hard to try and sign the ex-Gunners man permanently for next season but the report adds there is Championship interest in him. This is a big decision for the former England under-18 international as he has just cut ties with Arsenal – a club where he's spent 14 of his 22 years.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Okonkwo, who had to return to Arsenal last December after fracturing his jaw whilst playing for Wrexham, will now consider his options in the coming weeks and months. While he does, the Red Dragons will look ahead to life in League One, where they hope the big keeper joins them.
