Ben Foster has now claimed a player Wrexham signed last summer has really surprised him this season.
Wrexham’s transfer business during the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney era has inspired success on the pitch.
The Hollywood owners have flexed their profile as global superstars and deep pockets to attract several talented players to the Racecourse Ground, none more so than last summer.
The Reds targeted experienced players to aid their charge towards promotion, making the astute signings of Steven Fletcher on a free transfer and James McClean from Wigan Athletic.
Their experience and the standards they set in the Premier League were vital in the dressing room, with former goalkeeper Ben Foster describing McClean as the hardest-working player he’s ever seen.
Foster didn’t just reserve praise for the Irishman as he was left impressed by how Arthur Okonkwo adapted to League Two football.
Ben Foster shares why Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo surprised him
After Foster announced his retirement in September last year, many expected veteran Mark Howard to fill in for the ex-Manchester United shot-stopper.
However, it was the deadline day arrival of Arsenal youngster Okonkwo who made that number one spot his own, with Foster now explaining why he was so impressed by his performances.
Speaking on Fozcast, the 41-year-old believes the Englishman deserves huge credit for stepping out of his comfort zone and matching the physical demands required in League Two, as opposed to the easy-on-the-eye football he’s accustomed to at Arsenal.
“The goalie they signed Arthur [Okonkwo], what a signing he’s been as well,” Foster said.
“You talk about steady and consistent; I thought Mark [Howard] would stood a good chance of staying in net and playing for rest of the season, but the manager wanted to try something different. Arthur coming in was incredible last season for them.”
He added: “When you’re an academy goalkeeper at a Premier League club, then you are taught to play football a certain way; it’s playing out from the back, it’s nice, tippy tappy and it’s lovely.
“It’s not necessarily balls into the box or physical football – League Two is that. And for him to step out of his comfort zone and go and do that, he’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Arthur Okonkwo can set the tone for Wrexham’s transfer business
McElhenney and Reynolds have been all about making impressions since arriving at the club in 2021.
They’ve pulled up the ambitious tree and made signings that have blown people’s expectations out of the water.
The Hollywood superstars can continue that trend by luring Okonkwo from Arsenal permanently, as while a move makes perfect sense, his sensational form has brought interest from Championship and European clubs.
Parkinson has said the club are currently working on a deal to bring in the 22-year-old but accepts it could take a long time as he isn’t short of potential suitors.
If Wrexham can get Okonkwo over the line, it would set the tone for a successful summer however, if they don’t manage to, they must look elsewhere quickly and address a goalkeeping department that looks depleted.
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