Arthur Okonkwo's opening words as he entered Wrexham always gave the indication that he was a future player for the Red Dragons.
Beginning his career at Arsenal, where he was a part of their famous academy from the age of eight, the goalkeeper had initial loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz.
His spell in Austria was particularly pivotal as he earned real recognition from those in London for his key role in helping Die Schwoazn secure the Austrian Cup.
Upon his return to the Emirates in 2023, many perceived that League One or Championship clubs might come calling. However, it was Phil Parkinson's side who snapped him up on deadline day at the start of last season.
His first interview endeared him to the Wrexham supporters and provided them with the hope that he would prove to be a long-term solution in goal.
Okonkwo gives big message to Wrexham fans
Arthur Okonkwo at Arsenal
Brought in by Parkinson to fill the void left by the retirement of Ben Foster, Okonkwo couldn't have started off much better. Speaking to the in-house media team at Wrexham, the keeper said: "I know that the Club had a great season last year, and it’s good to see how the Club has a plan to progress up the leagues.
"The passion the fans, the owners and the Club have to keep moving forward is really good."
This interview sounded like a player who envisaged himself being at the Racecourse Ground beyond 2024 if he delivered on the pitch—and he certainly did.
Last season he played 36 matches, keeping 14 clean sheets and conceding just 30 goals in total. To only further the proof of his ability, he had the highest save percentage in the league and the second-highest goals prevented, keeping out 9.50 less than expected, according to FotMob.
Arthur Okonkwo 23-24 Wrexham Campaign
Appearances
Clean Sheets
Saves
Save Percentage
Goals Conceded
Goals Prevented
These brilliant performances saw him deservedly placed in the League Two Team of the Season.
Okonkwo only had eyes for Wrexham
Arthur Okonkwo tries to stop Sam Gallagher's effort
Having bought into the Wrexham project, it was no surprise that upon the expiry of his loan spell, Okonkwo stated that he "loved it at Wrexham". This was very much a mutual feeling and Rob McElhenney's and Ryan Reynolds' hopes were pinned on Arsenal releasing the youngster upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024 so they could resign him.
Fortunately, Mikel Arteta had no intention of retaining him and he was subsequently released last summer.
This worked perfectly in Wrexham's favour, and despite concerns that a bigger club might swoop in for his signature, they successfully secured a permanent deal for the talented 23-year-old.
Signing a three-year contract at the Racecourse, Okonkwo continued to wax lyrical about his parent club: "This is home, it’s felt like that since last season when I came in. The co-chairmen are so good, the manager, the coaches, the players, and obviously the backroom staff that you don’t see. It’s so good to be here."
Since then, he has continued to be a star in goal for Wrexham and, once again, the statistics point to a player who should be playing at a much higher level.
This rise will undoubtedly come in the years ahead, but for now, the Red Dragons' fans can be immensely grateful that Parkinson presented such a compelling project to Okonkwo when he first joined back in August 2023.