‘Wouldn’t surprise me’ – Arthur Okonkwo transfer hope for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney as Wrexham look to bring former Arsenal goalkeeper back as a free agent

The 22-year-old goalkeeper starred for the Red Dragons in 2023-24 during a loan spell from Arsenal. He has since severed ties with Premier League giants in north London after reaching the end of his contract – meaning that he is now available as a free agent.

Wrexham have made no secret of the fact that they would like to add Okonkwo to their ranks for a step up into League One, but are also aware that his current ability and potential for future improvement are attracting rival interest.

Young, who was released by Wrexham after helping them out of League Two, has told the Rob Ryan Red Podcast when asked if he could see Okonkwo back in North Wales after being serenaded by fans during wild promotion-winning celebrations: “Whether it’s going to happen or not, he probably didn’t know then whether it’s going to happen or not. But you’ve got the appreciation and the love of the fans that want you to stay, chanting ‘one more year’. You have the fans behind you so whether it happens or not; if it happens, brilliant. If it doesn’t happen, they’re still going to love you for what you’ve been a part of and what you’ve achieved so, is he going to turn around and stay? Obviously, I can’t say yes or no because I have no idea. But it wouldn’t surprise me if he does, getting promoted and then the ambition of the club of wanting to get promoted again.”

It has been suggested that Okonkwo’s wages could be a sticking point for Wrexham, after seeing him walk away from a top-flight outfit, but the Red Dragons recently put a “big offer” to ex-Republic of Ireland international Conor Hourihane and will continue to see Reynolds and McElhenney make the funds available for marquee additions.