League Two side Wrexham have reportedly lined up an ambitious move for Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, as reported by Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Okonkwo spent last season on loan with Austrian Bundesliga side SK Sturm Graz, making 15 appearances during that spell as the side finished second in the league behind RB Salzburg. The 21-year-old is out of contract next summer with the Gunners, and it was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that the Premier League side are allowing the talented goalkeeper to leave the Emirates.
Wrexham are looking to replace Ben Foster after his retirement. The former Manchester United keeper announced his retirement following the 5-5 draw with Swindon Town, less than one year after coming out of retirement to aid the Dragons in their push towards the National League title.
Having never made a senior competitive appearance in North London, the goalkeeper started last season with Crewe Alexandra in League Two. After keeping ten clean sheets in the fourth tier with the club, Arsenal decided to recall Okonkwo and once again sent him out on loan to the Austrian first division. Between the two loan sells, he made 44 appearances, keeping 16 clean sheets, the most notable being their victory over Rapid Vienna as his efforts helped them lift the OFB Cup.
There has been significant interest in Okonkwo this summer, with clubs across Europe reported to be interested in a move for him. However, as we approach the close of the window, none of those clubs have been named, and neither has a move come to fruition for the Arsenal man. The 21-year-old took part in the opening pre-season behind-closed-doors friendly with Championship side Watford but was left out of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the remainder of the pre-season. He was not named in the rest of the squads for pre-season as the side toured Germany and the USA.
Writer’s View
Okonkwo is a talented keeper and has a bright future ahead of him. However, with Aaron Ramsdale’s impeccable form for the Gunners and the arrival of David Raya, the most he could hope for is a third-choice goalkeeper, and it is clear he values himself as more than that. He is capable at League Two level, as his record with Crewe showed, and he could be a valuable asset to Phil Parkinson and his team as they look to get their first season back in the EFL on track.
