League One newcomers Leicester City are currently being linked with a potential move for Super Eagles and AFC Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo ahead of the upcoming transfer window, Footynaija.com reports.
Following a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation to League One, the Foxes are preparing for a major rebuild under new manager Russell Martin and strengthening the goalkeeping department is believed to be one of the club’s priorities after years of inconsistency between the sticks since the departure of former captain Kasper Schmeichel.
As speculation surrounding Okonkwo’s future continues to gather pace, Leicester City fan pundit Jamie Preston has backed the club to make a move for the Nigerian international. Speaking to Football League World, Preston highlighted Leicester’s long-standing goalkeeping concerns and explained why he believes the 24-year-old would be an ideal addition.
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“Getting the lad in from Wrexham would be a great prospect for Leicester,” Preston said. “We’ve had problems with goalkeepers since Kasper Schmeichel left.
“We’ve had Danny Ward, Asmir Begovic, Jakub Stolarczyk and Mads Hermansen, no-one’s really settled in, so I think getting him, more likely on loan than on a permanent deal, would be an absolutely great idea for Leicester.
“He is riding a wave of confidence with back-to-back promotions and the play-offs last year. He had a good grounding at Arsenal before he went to Wrexham, so getting in a keeper of his standing would be great.”
Will Arthur Okonkwo fancy a move to Leicester City
While Preston is convinced Okonkwo would be a valuable addition, convincing the 24-year-old to swap Championship football for League One could prove challenging. The former Arsenal academy graduate has established himself as one of the EFL’s most reliable goalkeepers, playing a key role in Wrexham’s remarkable rise through the divisions.
His impressive club form has also been rewarded at international level. After switching allegiance to Nigeria, Okonkwo earned his first Super Eagles caps and is increasingly viewed as a goalkeeper capable of challenging for a regular place in Eric Chelle’s squad.
While Wrexham remain keen to continue their upward trajectory, reports linking them with Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson have fuelled speculation over Okonkwo’s future. Should he become available, Leicester may be tempted to test the waters for one of Nigeria’s most promising goalkeepers.
