ARTHUR OKONKWO will definitely remain with Wrexham until the end of the season and the goalkeeper couldn’t be happier!

Arthur Okonkwo will remain at Wrexham on loan from Arsenal

ARTHUR OKONKWO will definitely remain with Wrexham until the end of the season and the goalkeeper couldn’t be happier!

The 22-year-old arrived at The Racecourse on a season-long loan from Premier League giants Arsenal in September before the summer transfer window closed but there was a recall clause in the contract.

However, the January 21 deadline has now passed and Okonkwo, who has made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Reds and been in excellent form, will definitely be part of the League Two promotion push.

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“I had no doubts that I was going to be here until the end of the season,” said Okonkwo.

“Our assistant coach at Arsenal looks after the loan goalkeepers and he has been in constant communication.

“I am here to stay and it’s a really good feeling.

“Now we just push on and see how we can do until the end of the season.”

Okonkwo, who last season had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, where he won the Austrian Cup final, is aiming high in his career but the stopper is not looking too far ahead.

“For me it is trying to get to the highest level I can,” said Okonkwo, who was capped by England at under 16, 17 and 18 level.

“I am just at the beginning of my career and seeing where it takes me.

“At the moment I am not looking too far forward, I am just focussed on where I am at the moment and what I can do in the situation I’m in.

“We will have to wait until the end of the season and see what happens.”

Phil Parkinson is over the moon that Okonkwo won’t be plying his trade elsewhere.

“The deadline for Arthur to be called back was January 21 and that has now passed so that is a massive signing for us to keep Arthur,” said the Reds’ boss.

“He has been exceptional for us.

“He has bought into everything the club is about, he has moved up here and he has been a great lad to have around.

“He is a terrific goalkeeper and when someone plays well, you always worry that he has caught the eye of other teams so I was very pleased when the clock struck 12!”

Okonkwo, who required minor surgery after breaking his jaw in the 2-2 draw at Harrogate on November 28, is back in the side and wearing a protective mask in games.

He says playing regularly for Wrexham has been crucial in his development.

“You look at a lot of young goalkeepers right now and it is really important to get minutes,” said Okonkwo.

“Luckily I have been able to do that here which I am happy about, it’s been great.

“I joined the team with a plan with the gaffer.

“I waited for my opportunity at the beginning and it’s good to be playing now, and helping the team as much as I can to get results which I will hopefully continue to do until the end of the season.”