Arriving at the STōK Cae Ras as Wrexham’s second signing of Transfer Deadline Day, Okonkwo joins on loan with a rich footballing education, having been at Arsenal for over a decade so far.
The 21-year-old originally played for Hampstead Academy and Lindus Park, before being picked up by the Gunners as a child and spending the rest of his formative years at the famous Hale End academy.
Okonkwo has also gained experience with England across several of their youth sides, having earned caps at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level.
Born in London, Okonkwo is eligible for both England and Nigeria. His younger brother, Brian, has followed in Arthur’s footsteps, being a member of Arsenal’s academy, also playing as a goalkeeper.
Rising through the ranks at Arsenal, the keeper's previously mentioned that he's taken influence from the styles of Petr Cech and David De Gea.
He signed his first senior contract for Arsenal in 2021, having impressed during his time at the club across his time in the academy and later at London Colney.
Despite his young age for a goalkeeper, Okonkwo has already gained EFL experience at Crewe Alexandra, joining the Railwaymen on loan for the 2022/23 season.
His time up north was a success, as he kept 10 clean sheets in 26 matches, before being recalled by Arsenal in January 2023 to take up a loan at a higher level.
Okonkwo’s next journey came in Austria as he signed for Strum Graz on a loan deal until the end of the season, with the goalkeeper joining the club in their fight to beat RB Salzburg to the Bundesliga title.
At the time, the move made Okonkwo one of only six goalkeepers aged 21 or under to regularly play in one of Europe’s top ten leagues.
One of his best achievements to date came at the end of last season, with the keeper playing a starring role in Strum Graz’s Austrian Cup success, keeping a clean sheet in the final against Rapid Vienna.
With Salzburg having completed four successive league and cup doubles, the Austrian side’s toppling of the league’s giants provided a brilliant achievement and story for the club.
The cup success potentially was an even greater ending to his time in Austria than the young goalkeeper could’ve imagined, with Arsenal’s choice to recall the keeper from Crewe a great success.
Already having gained a wealth of knowledge during the start of his professional career, Okonkwo will look to continue his footballing education at the STōK Cae Ras under the tutelage of the coaching staff at the Club.