Wrexham could sign Arsenal player this summer despite host of bigger clubs interested

Wrexham could sign an Arsenal player this summer despite a host of other clubs being interested.

Wrexham were the success story of last season when they returned to the Football League after 15-years in non-league, and this season they are on track to win promotion to the third tier.

The Welsh club are currently third in the League Two table, the final automatic promotion place.

Their success and financial muscle under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have attracted a cast of players used to playing at a higher level, including Paul Mullin, Steven Fletcher and James McClean.

Another star who dropped down from the Premier League is goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who replaced veteran Ben Foster as Wrexham's number one this season.

The 22-year-old is a product of Arsenal's youth academy, but with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale ahead of him in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, he joined Wrexham on loan.

The England youth international has been in terrific form for the promotion chasers this season, conceding just 25 goals in 28 league outings and keeping 11 clean sheets.

With Okonkwo's Arsenal contract set to expire at the end of the season, there will be no shortage of clubs higher up in the football pyramid who will try to snap him up as a free agent.

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However, Wrexham are confident they can convince Okonkwo to sign a deal with them, thanks in part to the funds made available by Reynolds and McElhenney.

While Okonkwo will no doubt hold ambitions of playing in the Premier League, the promise of game time and a lucrative deal could persuade him.

In the view of former England midfielder Carlton Palmer, Wrexham have a great chance of landing Okonkwo on a permanent basis.

"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. With the owners of Wrexham having deep pockets and plenty of ambition, 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."

Topics: Wrexham, Arsenal, Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton