Okonkwo Arsenal
Highlights
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Wrexham target Arthur Okonkwo will be leaving Arsenal on a free transfer when his deal expires this summer.
Phil Parkinson’s side made it back-to-back promotions as they secured a top three finish on their return to the Football League.
Okonkwo was first choice for the campaign after joining the Red Dragons on loan, making 36 appearances as he became a reliable figure in between the sticks.
Arthur Okonkwo Wrexham
Therefore, bringing him to the Racecourse Ground on a permanent basis was always going to be under consideration, with Parkinson revealing last month that they would explore the possibility of a deal.
However, as of now, nothing has been agreed, but the Gunners have confirmed that the 22-year-old will be leaving their club when his deal runs out in a matter of weeks.
Of course, Okonkwo’s performances, and his potential to get even better, means that other clubs will be weighing up an offer to the stopper, amid reports that Wrexham face Championship competition for his signature.
Arthur Okonkwo's Wrexham League Two Stats 23/24 (Sofascore)
Appearances
36
Clean Sheets
14
Goals conceded
30
Saves made
107
Saves made from inside box
67
Penalties saved
1/3
Wrexham told to not rush into Arthur Okonkwo deal
Despite the positives to any potential deal, it should be said that Okonkwo is unproven at League One level, whilst promotion means Wrexham can look at a bigger pool of targets as they look to establish themselves in the third tier.
And, speaking to FLW, Wrexham fan Liam insists that the club shouldn’t rush into offering Okonkwo a contract, even if he would be pleased if the keeper did return to the club.
He said: “We’re linked with Okonkwo after the really successful season he’s had with us.
“When he came in on loan, we knew his contract was expiring at the end of the season, so it was always an option if he performed well.
“Now he’s been released by Arsenal, I don’t think it would be a bad decision to go for a keeper of his standing. He could easily play Championship football, but we shouldn't go over the odds with wages just because he’s had one good season with us, as there are other options in the market.
Phil Parkinson
“We were linked with Viktor Johansson, there’s Chris Maxwell, who is a really solid option, so we need to keep our options open.”
Wrexham’s summer transfer plans
It’s an exciting time to be a Wrexham fan, as they’ve been on a remarkable run under their new owners, and they will be dreaming about what the future could bring.
You would expect them to be bold and ambitious in the market once more this summer, but it’s a big step up in quality, so they will need to be smart in who they recruit.
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