ROB MCELHENNY claims there is a “good chance” that goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will extend his stay with Wrexham.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful season-long spell at The Racecourse from Arsenal and played a key role as the Reds finished runners-up in League Two, clinching back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club’s history.

However, Okonkwo, who made 40 appearances in all competitions and kept 16 clean sheets, is now a free agent following his release by the Premier League giants.

Phil Parkinson is looking to strengthen his squad for Wrexham’s first campaign in League One since 2004-05 and is interested in Oknonkwo who was recognised for efforts by being named in the League Two Team of the Season along with Reds’ team-mate Elliot Lee.

Although Parkinson has offered veteran stopper Mark Howard a new deal and he also has youngsters Luke McNicholas and Liam Hall on the books, the Reds' boss is a big admirer of Okonkwo who previously has loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz during the 2022-23 season.

Okonkwo has attracted interest from other clubs but Wrexham co-chairman McElhenney remains confident the free agent will rejoin Wrexham.

Speaking at London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, where he threw the first pitch as his beloved Philadelphia Phillies were playing the second of their two-game series with the New York Mets, McElhenney said: “There’s a very good chance [of signing him].

“We’re talking to Arthur actively right now, we know he wants to come back to Wrexham and we definitely want him. It’s just about working out the right deal that works for everybody.”

Okonkwo, brought in after former England international Ben Foster announced he was going back into retirement last August, quickly established himself as Wrexham’s first choice goalkeeper.

Even a broken jaw sustained in the 2-2 draw at Harrogate Town on November 28, which required surgery, only kept Okonkwo sidelined for three games as he returned to action wearing a protective mask.