A major transfer that Wrexham is seriously investigating is the permanent signing of Arthur Okonkwo from Arsenal.
The Red Dragons’ resolve to get promoted to League One in the English football pyramid is demonstrated by the possible transfer. On Saturday, Wrexham received promotion to League One, their first league comeback since 2005.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who has been on loan from the Gunners since September, has had a fantastic season with Wrexham. Because of his contributions—especially his 13 clean sheets—he has been named to the EFL League Two Team of the Season.
Okonkwo’s outstanding ability to stop the ball has been crucial to Wrexham’s achievements. His 78.4 save % and 34 out of 44 stellar performances have helped the squad finish in second place in the League Two standings.
This season, Okonkwo had a number of memorable games. Against Forest Green Rovers, the club won 6-0, and he preserved a clean sheet as they won promotion. Wrexham supporters celebrated the historic victory that signaled the start of back-to-back promotion seasons led by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney by storming the field in joy.
Okonkwo becomes a free agent in the summer when his deal with Arsenal expires. Wrexham would try to make the loan arrangement permanent, according to The Sun. Promising European clubs are anticipated to show a great deal of interest in him, much as they did when he was on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz.
Wrexham had previously acknowledged the difficulties in obtaining their player, but when he arrived, they were ecstatic. The Wrexham supporters enthusiastically welcomed Okonkwo when team manager Phil Parkinson shared on social media the young keeper’s significance to the team.
Parkinson told reporters, “We spoke to Arsenal and Arthur’s agent when Fozzy retired.” “We only had about ten days until the transfer window closed, and Arthur was very high on the list, but we didn’t think it was going to be possible because he was potentially moving to Europe.”
After considering other possibilities, Wrexham got back in touch with Arsenal to try to sign Okonkwo. Parkinson made the first move, setting up a Zoom conference with the player’s representative. The following morning, Okonkwo, his agent, and goalkeeping coach Aidan Davison had a conversation.
Despite being represented by England at the younger levels, Okonkwo’s performances have reportedly caught the eye of the national squad in Nigeria. Augustine Eguavoen, the team’s technical director, reportedly kept an eye on the goalkeeper’s development in anticipation of a possible senior call-up to the national team.
He can play for the squad because of his Nigerian ancestry, and he is the highest predicted value player in League Two and Wrexham, according to TransferMarkt.
It is rumored that Okonkwo’s permanent transfer to Wrexham is contingent upon a number of personal variables, such as game time and pay. Despite his fantastic season, the Red Dragons have not yet extended a contract offer to the 22-year-old, according to Sports Bible.
