Arthur Okonkwo: Arsenal goalkeeper aims for promotion in Wrexham loan spell
- Published
Arthur Okonkwo wore a protective face mask in games after fracturing his jaw in November, 2023
FA Cup fourth round: Blackburn Rovers v Wrexham |
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Venue: Ewood Park, Blackburn Date: Monday, 29 January Kick-off: 19:30 GMT |
Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text |
Arthur Okonkwo says it is "a good feeling" to know he is staying with Wrexham until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper is on a season-long loan from Premier League side Arsenal.
The deadline for him to be recalled was on 21 January and Okonkwo hopes to help Wrexham gain promotion from League Two.
"It's been great. I joined the team with a plan with the gaffer - at the beginning I was just waiting for my opportunity," said Okonkwo.
"Now it's good to be playing and being involved with the team and helping as much as I can."
Okonkwo has played 20 games in all competitions this season and says that Arsenal have kept a close eye on his progress.
"I had no doubts I would 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 good feeling."
Okonkwo had loan spells in 2022-23 with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Gratz in Austria and is grateful at the chance to play on a regular basis for the Dragons.
"It's crucial, you look at a lot of young goalkeepers it's so important to get minutes, luckily I've been able to do that here, and I'm happy with that," he said.
Attention turns to FA Cup
Wrexham, who were beaten 1-0 in the league at Newport last Saturday, have turned their attention to their FA Cup fourth round tie at Blackburn Rovers on Monday, 29 January.
Blackburn are 17th in the Championship, but Okonkwo says Wrexham have nothing to fear.
"It's a great experience, we've already sold our tickets for the game and we go into that game with no pressure," he said.
"We are the underdogs, we're going to go out there and enjoy ourselves and get the win, hopefully.
"It's going to be a good game, the players are going to give everything, that's all we can do."
When asked about his long term ambitions, Okonkwo replied: "For me it's trying to get to the highest level I can. I'm at the beginning of my career.
"I'm not looking too far forward, I'm just focusing on where I am at the moment."