Carlton Palmer has backed Wrexham to sign a very talented 22-year-old this summer.
Wrexham’s rise as a football club was unthinkable just a few years ago. The Reds were trapped in the National League and ravaged by financial issues until Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds completed their takeover in February 2021.
The Hollywood owners have pumped serious money into the club to get them into League Two and have backed Phil Parkinson with the funds to sign several talented players.
Last summer, Wrexham captured two stars in Steven Fletcher and James McClean, who were known for their previous Premier League exploits.
While that veteran duo have achieved hero status at the Racecourse Ground, it’s a youngster from Arsenal who has stolen the hearts of supporters.
Arthur Okonkwo has been magnificent for Wrexham
Following loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Austrian side Sturm Graz, Wrexham used the profile of their Hollywood owners to sign goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on loan from Arsenal.
The 22-year-old was an unknown quantity among supporters when he arrived, but having established himself as Parkinson’s number one, Okonkwo has been a revelation between the sticks.
Including 11 clean sheets in 28 games and boasting a better save percentage than Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, the young shot-stopper has proven that he’s far too good for the fourth tier.
As a result of his form, Parkinson has described the youngster as having “great potential”, with Okonkwo destined to fulfil his potential away from the Emirates Stadium.
It was reported earlier this week that the Englishman will leave Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.
This means clubs will be able to sign him on a free transfer and former Sheffield Wednesday player Carlton Palmer believes Wrexham could hold the upper hand in negotiations.
Carlton Palmer backs Wrexham to sign Arthur Okonkwo
Given his performances and potential, there will be plenty of suitors keeping tabs on Okonkwo, but Palmer believes that the Arsenal academy graduate could be sold by the exciting project at Wrexham.
“Wrexham is an exciting project, they’re on the up and Okonkwo is getting regular game time,” Palmer told Football League World. “He’s been very good, very consistent and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.”
He also points towards McElhenney and Reynolds’ ambition as owners as a major pulling point for Okonkwo, who is seemingly settled in Wales.
“With the owners of Wrexham having deep pockets and plenty of ambition,” he said. “I think they have every chance to sign him permanently. Of course, there will be other EFL clubs interested in him, but if you’re a player at Wrexham it must be an exciting time as they see how far they can go.
“They’re on the cusp of getting back-to-back promotions which would be incredible and for a young keeper this is perfect for him. I’m sure Wrexham can entice the keeper to sign a contract with them and to continue on that journey.”
With Wrexham occupying the final automatic position in League Two, back-to-back promotions are a real possibility for the Reds.
Surely, if they do win promotion to the third tier, their chances of signing Okonkwo increase tenfold.
Wrexham travel to Grimsby Town tomorrow afternoon aiming to get back to winning ways.