Wrexham pull off Arsenal transfer swoop on deadline day to replace Ben Foster
Wrexham have pulled off another big deadline day move after replacing Ben Foster with young Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
The Welsh club lost promotion hero Foster just five games into the new campaign after he chose to hang up his gloves. However, Reynolds and co-chairman Rob McElhenney have a penchant for audacious moves in the transfer market and their ambition has been rewarded once more.
This time around, they have been able to convince 21-year-old Okonkwo to move to the Racecourse Ground on a season-long loan from Arsenal just before the transfer window closes. The England youth international spent last year on loan at Sturm Graz, winning the Austrian Cup in the process.
The Gunners academy graduate joins the Red Dragons on a season-long loan and will also bring experience of the EFL from his temporary stay at Crewe Alexandra. During his time with the Railwaymen, he made 23 appearances in League Two, keeping 10 clean sheets in total.
He made 16 appearances in goal in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, as he won the first medal of his professional career. Prior to this, the emerging talent also appeared twice for his parent club in Cup competitions as well as for their U23s team.
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Speaking of his delight at signing for Phil Parkinson's team, Okonkwo said: "I know that the club had a great season last year, and it’s good to see how the club has a plan to progress up the leagues. The passion the fans, the owners and the club have to keep moving forward is really good."
The Dragons' head coach also expressed his excitement at being able to welcome a player of the Gunners prospect's talent to the club, adding: "I’d like to welcome Arthur to the club, he’s a talented young goalkeeper and he’s going to be a great addition to the squad this season."
Young Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has joined Wrexham on loan (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)The signing is the second major transfer made by the North Wales outfit on transfer deadline day following on from George Evans. The Millwall midfielder has dropped down two divisions to join the National League champions on a two-year deal.
The former Manchester City trainee also brings a wealth of experience to Wrexham's ranks, having turned out for the likes of Reading and Derby County prior to his spell at the Den. The 28-year-old's ability to play in both midfield and defence will also provide Parkinson with further options.
Wrexham have experienced a mixed start to the League Two season so far and sit in 16th place after five games played. The Welsh outfit have won just once so far this term in the league and face a tough derby clash versus Tranmere Rovers next.
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