PHIL PARKINSON thought he’d missed out on signing Arthur Okonkwo but perseverance paid off as the Wrexham boss got his man in the end.
Arsenal stopper Okonkwo, who last season had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, where he won the Austrian Cup final, was high on the shopping list but it looked like the 22-year-old would be heading elsewhere before the summer transfer window closed.
Okonkwo, capped by England at under 16, 17 and 18 level, has made nine appearances in all competitions since arriving at The STóK Cae Ras and he has impressed his manager.
“We spoke to Arsenal and Arthur’s agent when Fozzy retired,” said Parkinson.
We only had about 10 days until the transfer window closed and Arthur was very high on the list but we didn’t think it was going to be possible because he was potentially moving to Europe.
“We looked at other options but then we touched base again with Arsenal.
“I rang Arthur’s agent and had a zoom call with him, and then (goalkeeping coach) Aidan Davison followed it up with a chat with Arthur and his agent the next morning.
“We know he has got real potential. He came to us without much football behind him in pre-season but he has fitted in well with the lads.
“He has settled into the area, he has rented an apartment.
“He has been an important signing for us so far and I think he is going to get better.”
