Wrexham fan pundit Liam Grice has defended Arthur Okonkwo, saying the Nigeria international has the qualities required to compete at Championship level admit speculation linking the Red Dragons with a move for Sunderland shot-stopper Anthony Patterson.
Okonkwo, who lost his starting spot towards the tail end of the season, has been linked with a summer departure from Wrexham, with Leicester City credited with an interest in the Super Eagles goalkeeper.
The Arsenal academy graduate posted ten clean sheets in 39 league appearances last term, while conceding 53 goals.
Okonkwo has faced scrutiny at times due to occasional mistakes and questions over his distribution, but Grice insists those weaknesses should not overshadow his overall qualities.
When questioned about the possibility of Wrexham signing Patterson if Okonkwo leaves, he told Football League World: "I’m personally not a fan,” Grice told Football League World.
"I know Okwonko has his faults, but at the end of the day, he’s a very solid Championship keeper, in my opinion.
"Yeah, okay, maybe his distribution could be better, he has a mistake in him every now and again, but I don’t think Patterson is a clear upgrade."
Wrexham have been linked with goalkeeping reinforcements, including Patterson, but Grice believes bringing in a new goalkeeper should only happen if the player represents a significant improvement.
"I don’t think a loan move would be terrible, but a goalkeeper is one of the spots you want to own the player in.
"You can build your defence around the goalkeeper, and I think there are better options we could get for cheaper than Patterson, and I don’t think necessarily he’s a massive upgrade on Okonkwo."
Okonkwo has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Wrexham, having signed permanently for the club in July 2024 after leaving Arsenal.
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