Ryan Reynolds has Chelsea legend to thank with star dazzling for Wrexham (2025)

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has played a key part in their push for promotion to the Championship after being mentored by a Chelsea legend during his time at Arsenal

Wrexham face a tense finale to their season as they battle for League One's second automatic promotion spot. Birmingham City have already got the title wrapped up with four games left to play, while Phil Parkinson's side are currently second, just one point ahead of rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

If the Red Dragons do achieve an incredible third successive promotion then it will be in no small part thanks to the efforts of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The 23-year-old has kept 17 clean sheets so far this term - the joint-most in the third tier alongside Birmingham's Ryan Allsop - but having played three games less than the Blues' keeper.

Okonkwo missed around two months of the campaign after suffering a broken wrist in Wrexham's 1-0 win against Mansfield in November. He signed permanently for the Welsh outfit on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer after impressing on loan as they won promotion from League Two last season.

Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were heavily involved in convincing Okonkwo to make the switch from the Gunners, despite reported interest from clubs higher up the divisions.

Appreciation will also be due to former Chelsea and Arsenal shot-stopper Petr Cech if promotion is achieved for aiding the youngster's development in north London, as well as the inspiration of ex-Manchester United man David de Gea.

Okonkwo spoke about his influences in an interview featured on the Arsenal website in September 2018. "I enjoy the thrill of making saves – the more spectacular the better," he said. "I suppose that's why I like watching David De Gea play more than others.

"He's an instinctive goalkeeper who makes fantastic reaction saves, although I do watch all goalkeepers to see what I can learn. I'll watch a game and enjoy the overall play, but I scrutinise what the keepers do in more detail.

"Although there's no particular keeper I look to learn from I'm lucky to be around someone like Petr Cech, who makes an effort to help me develop."

He added: "I've worked with the first team and I enjoy being in goal for their shooting practice, which helps me improve. I think the player with the hardest shot I've faced is Granit Xhaka."

Okonkwo's form for Wrexham was recently recognised with the PFA Fans' League One Player of the Month Award. The Arsenal academy graduate kept six clean sheets in seven games in March.

Last month, he discussed the challenges he faced when recovering from his wrist injury. "That was the first serious injury I've had as a professional," Okonkwo told the BBC.

"It's difficult coming back from something like that - you lose consistency and momentum. It's taken a bit of time and I had to take a step back to go forward again, but I'm feeling good now. I'm happy to be back."

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