Leicester City will set their sights on Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo if the Red Dragons win the race for Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, according to reports.
The Foxes are preparing for life in League One just 10 years after their famous Premier League triumph in 2016. They were relegated from the top tier a year ago and were one of the favourites to clinch promotion last season.
After missing out on top target Russell Martin, who instead opted to take the reins at Scottish giants Rangers, former Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes was instead named as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s successor. A poor first half of the campaign led to Spaniard losing his job in January with the East Midlands-based club languishing in mid-table.
A six-point deduction for breaching EFL financial regulations followed, plunging Leicester into a second successive relegation fight. It was one they were unable to overcome and their fate was sealed in April following a 1-1 draw with Hull City.
Leicester Rebuild Taking Shape
Fast forward 12 months, and Martin is now at the helm following his disastrous spell north of the border. Leicester are the favourites to clinch the League One title, and it is expected to be a busy summer at the King Power Stadium.
A number of outgoings are likely as they look to reduce their wage bill, but the former Swansea City and Southampton boss will be looking to build a squad capable of securing at least a top two finish. Therefore, it is no surprise to see them linked with a two-time promotion winner this morning.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has now appeared on the radar of the 2021 FA Cup winners. However, there are a number of factors that will need to play out for this transfer to happen.
It is claimed that the Welsh-based club are keen to recruit Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, who enjoyed a stellar loan spell at Millwall during the second half of last season. The Lions remain keen, but Wrexham are said pushing hard and hope to conclude a deal, although their preference is a loan.
The Black Cats are looking to sell and value the former England under-21 international at between £8-10 million, with Rangers also keeping tabs on the situation. Should Wrexham be successful in their pursuit, Okonkwo could make way, with Leicester ready to make a move.
Goalkeeper High In Priority For Martin
It’s no secret that Leicester are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options this summer. Current number one Jakub Stolarczyk lost his place to veteran Asmir Begovic in February before regaining his position when the 39-year-old picked up an ankle injury.
Although under contract until next summer, it remains to be seen as to whether the former Poland under-21 international will be moved on in the coming months. Therefore, a move for an experienced goalkeeper at this level makes sense.
Okonkwo has been an almost ever-present at Wrexham over the last three years, winning promotion from both League One and Two. He also played a key role last season as Phil Parkinson’s side just missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs. A move to Leicester could suit all parties, especially if the deal is a temporary one.
