Arsenal fans shocked as goalkeeper of the year released as free agent after success at Hollywood-led Wrexham

ARSENAL fans were left shocked after loanee Arthur Okonkwo was released by the club.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has impressed whilst on loan at Hollywood side Wrexham this season.

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The club, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were promoted to League One after being promoted from non-league only last year.

Okonkwo emerged as a reliable presence between the sticks and kept 14 clean sheets in 36 appearances for the Red Dragons.

He also conceded just 30 goals in the league.

His performances saw him win League Two Goalkeeper of the Season.

Despite this, the Gunners did not offer him a contract extension and he will leave the club as a free agent.

One Arsenal fan on

Another wrote: “Amazing goalkeeper. He will definitely be a starter at any club that signs him.”

While a third said: “He served the club well, good luck to him.”

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He is expected to have a lot of interest from League One and League Two clubs.

Wrexham fans will no doubt be keen to see Okonkwo extend his stay at the Racecourse, but he had this to say when speaking about his future in The Athletic: “I haven’t looked at things too much at the moment.

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“But I will do that very soon. It’s a matter of looking at all my opportunities and seeing which one is best for me.

“I loved Wrexham and they will stay in my heart forever. Now it’s more of a waiting game and seeing what’s the right move for me.”

He added: “I went to say goodbye to Arsenal the other day. It was difficult, knowing I won’t be there anymore. I’ve been there a long time. But it feels like the right time. The club is doing so well.

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“You have to be one of the best to play for Arsenal. I have to pursue my own career and do what I need to do for myself. There are no hard feelings, we ended things very well. I had an incredible time – 14 years and I still remember the first day I joined.

“I can never be more grateful to the club for what they gave me. And you never know how football works, one day I might go back there.”

Also on the list of players released by Arsenal are Mohamed Elneny, who has been at the club since 2016, and Cedric Soares.

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