Wrexham are keen to secure a long-term goalkeeper as they target climbing the English divisions, and their financial advantages could see them sign Arthur Okonkwo permanently
Thanks to the funding made available by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo may sign a permanent contract with Wrexham.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form for the promotion-chasing team this season, surrendering just 25 goals in 28 league games while on loan with the League Two team. Since Okonkwo’s contract expires in the summer, Wrexham may be able to offer him a lucrative contract to entice him to stay with the team rather than sign with a rival.
As a goalkeeper in the Premier League now, Okonkwo won’t want to dedicate his career to a team that isn’t at his ideal level, but Wrexham has high goals of making it to the top division. Okonkwo needs playing time at this point in his career, which he won’t receive at Arsenal because Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya are ahead of him.
Carlton Palmer, a former League Two manager and England international, anticipates that Okonkwo will be in great demand due to his impressive season as Wrexham’s No. 1, with teams from the Championship and League One also keeping an eye on him. Palmer, however, is certain that Wrexham has the resources to keep him in North Wales and turn him into a significant character in their tale.
“He’s had a fantastic season and he’s still only 22. He’s kept 11 clean sheets in 28 matches this term, and he has been exceptional,” Palmer told Football League World. “Wrexham is an exciting project, they’re on the up and Okonkwo is getting regular game time.
“He’s been very good, very consistent and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. With the owners of Wrexham having deep pockets and plenty of ambition, I think they have every chance to sign him permanently.
“Of course, there will be other EFL clubs interested in him, but if you’re a player at Wrexham it must be an exciting time as they see how far they can go. They’re on the cusp of getting back-to-back promotions which would be incredible and for a young keeper this is perfect for him.
“I’m sure Wrexham can entice the keeper to sign a contract with them and to continue on that journey.” At the beginning of the season, Ben Foster announced his decision to retire, leaving enormous shoes for Okonkwo to fill.
In order to aid Wrexham in their promotion to League Two, the former Manchester United goalkeeper stepped out of retirement last year. Initially, he made the commitment to play for the Red Dragons this season. But after they had played a few games in the campaign, he changed his mind, saying that, at forty, he was no longer at the necessary level.
With a last automatic promotion slot and a current League Two standing of third, Wrexham might accomplish a back-to-back promotion this season. Wrexham still has eight games to go, but Crewe Alexandra and MK Dons are chasing them.
