Wrexham eye keeper, trapdoor opens for Forest Green
WREXHAM are reportedly considering a move to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on a permanent deal.
The weekend saw Wrexham secure their promotion to League One, marking their first return to the third tier since 2005. Okonkwo joined Wrexham on loan from Arsenal at the start of the season and has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Wales. His performances have earned him a spot in the EFL League Two’s Team of the Season, thanks in part to his 13 clean sheets. Okonkwo’s contract with Arsenal is set to expire this summer, making him a free agent.
According to The Sun, Wrexham are keen on turning his loan spell into a permanent deal at the end of the season.
The young keeper is expected to draw attention from top European clubs, similar to the interest he garnered during his loan stints at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz.
Forest Green Rovers’ relegation was confirmed after Colchester’s 2-0 home win over Grimsby Town on Tuesday night.
It brings to end the Nailsworth club’s seven-year stay in the EFL.
Rovers have struggled since winning the League Two title two seasons ago, suffering an immediate drop back to the fourth tier, followed by a campaign to forget this time.
Duncan Ferguson was sacked just before the first pre-season friendly, with David Horseman replacing him. Horseman departed in December and was replaced by Troy Deeney, who lasted for only six games.
Vastly-experienced boss Steve Cotterill’s arrival heralded a major improvement to restore some hope of an escape act, but he has run out of time and the club will return to non-league football next season.
They were beaten 6-0 by League One-bound Wrexham on Saturday, and their fate has now been sealed.
Rovers round off the campaign with a trip to Morecambe on Saturday, followed by a home match against Notts County the following weekend.