Arthur Okonkwo has now revealed the ‘special’ factor that sets Wrexham fans apart from Arsenal.
On-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has become a revelation since arriving in Wales.
The promising young shot-stopper has enjoyed an incredible spell under Phil Parkinson, keeping an impressive 14 clean sheets in 36 appearances while seeing his name listed in the League Two Team of the Season.
Naturally, the 22-year-old has attracted interest from several Championship and clubs abroad, although Wrexham remain intent on capturing him permanently.
Okonkwo waved goodbye to supporters at Arsenal with his contract expiring this summer and has now revealed the ‘special’ factor that sets Wrexham fans apart from those in North London.
Arthur Okonkwo drops ‘special’ praise for Wrexham fans
When you’re a supporter, you’re told to never fall in love with a loan player, but Wrexham’s passionate fanbase has found it impossible not to love Okonkwo.
The towering keeper has immersed himself in the fanbase and taken a liking to the supporters, with the Englishman sharing what is different about the fans in Wales to the ones at Arsenal.
Okonkwo’s parent club are one of the biggest in England, so naturally, players will find it hard to connect with every fan.
The former Crewe Alexandra keeper has said that isn’t the case at Wrexham, claiming the connection he has with the fanbase is ‘special’.
Speaking to The Athletic, Okonkwo said: “You’re signing so many autographs and speaking to so many fans before every game. At Arsenal, there’s a bit of a disconnect with the fans, in the sense you can’t sign everything. It is impossible. But that’s something Wrexham still has. It’s special to see.”
Wrexham fans play a big role in Arthur Okonkwo joining permanently
Championship and European powerhouses may have shown an interest in Okonkwo, but he isn’t guaranteed to start at those clubs.
At Wrexham, meanwhile, the young goalkeeper has truly found a home where he’s shown his greatest strengths, including his command of the area and impressive reflex saves.
Suppose Okonkwo decided against a permanent switch to Wales. In that case, there is no guarantee he’d have the same ‘special’ connection with supporters elsewhere, and it would be a risk for him to join another club.
Of course, signing for a second-tier club is incredibly tempting as he’s closer to his ambition of playing in the Premier League. But there is something special about Wrexham – felt within the fanbase – that the youngster will want to return.
Okonkwo has a big decision to make over his future in the coming weeks, and if he feels the best place for his development is at Wrexham, that is a huge boost to their chances of challenging high up the table in League One.