Wrexham continue their quest for League Two promotion this weekend when they travel to Blundell Park to take on Grimsby Town on Saturday afternoon.
Phil Parkinson's side suffered only their third home defeat of the season last weekend, with Luke Norris' early strike proving the difference between the two sides at the Stok Cae Ras, leaving them inside the automatic promotion spots on goal difference.
Upon their return to the Football League, the Red Dragons have had a number of inconsistent runs in their season, including a run of three straight defeats in January. Following a strong start, this run of results have allowed the likes of MK Dons and Crewe Alexandra to gain points in the race for the top three, with Wrexham's automatic promotion hopes currently hanging in the balance.
Despite not knowing what division they will be playing in next season, attention will have already turned to potential arrivals in the summer, with Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney potentially digging deeper into their pockets should they feature in League One next term.
A number of players were brought to North Wales ahead of this season either on loan or permanent deals, with one player in particular playing a huge role in Wrexham's season and could seek a permanent move to the club in the summer.
James McClean Wrexham 2
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Arthur Okonkwo's statistics this season
Arthur Okonkwo Sam Gallagher
Wrexham endured an early goalkeeping crisis at the start of the season, having conceded 13 goals in their opening four matches. This resulted in Ben Foster, who had come out of retirement to help the Welsh side on a short-term deal and help them earn promotion back to the Football League, retire once again following a 5-5 draw with Swindon Town.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper admitted he has not performed to the levels he demanded of himself contributed to his decision, but left Parkinson searching for a replacement in between the sticks.
It led to the signing of Arsenal youngster, Arthur Okonkwo, who joined Wrexham on a season-long loan having previously had spells with Austrian club Sturm Graz and Crewe Alexandra.
Since his arrival, Okonkwo has endeared himself among the Wrexham faithful, producing a string of impressive performances this season which has him vying for top spot for the Golden Glove in League Two this term.
His statistics this season speak for themselves, having managed to keep 11 clean sheets this term and helping the Red Dragons to third in the table at this stage of the season.
Arthur Okonkwo's Wrexham statistics this season as per Transfermarkt and FotMob
Appearances
28
Minutes played
2,475
Clean sheets
11
Goals conceded
25
Saves per 90
3.16
Accurate long balls per 90
6.04
Errors leading to a goal
1
Goals prevented
8.58
The saying of "don't fall in love with a loan player" has been thrown around when talking about Okonkwo's time in North Wales, but Wrexham fans may be optimistic about the possibility of securing a permanent deal for the 22-year-old goalkeeper at the end of this season.
Arthur Okonkwo will leave Arsenal this summer
Arthur Okonkwo
Okonkwo’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in the summer and, according to Football London, the Englishman won’t be putting pen to paper on fresh terms.
The young goalkeeper will be allowed to leave for free once his contract expires as Mikel Arteta is well-stocked in the goalkeeping department with Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya and Karl Hein as current first-team goalkeepers.
However, three successful loan spells away from the Emirates will go a long way in helping the 22-year-old find his future suitors ahead of next season, and Wrexham should jump at the chance to sign him on a free transfer.
But promotion to League One could prove pivotal as to whether Okonkwo signs new terms with the Red Dragons. His performances this season have proved he is capable of competing at a higher level, but interest from further up the divisions has yet to materialise, which could be good news for Wrexham in their attempts to sign the young goalkeeper.
Okonkwo is also adored by the supporters and that could give Wrexham the advantage when negotiating a deal, but only if promotion is sealed. Although not improbable given the project McElhenney and Reynolds are building in Wales, though, signing Okonkwo permanently could be more difficult if they’re still in League Two.
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