Arthur Okonkwo not close to Derby County move despite transfer reports

Reports linking Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo with an imminent move to Derby County are inaccurate, despite claims that the Nigeria international was set to join the Championship club after completing a medical.

The rumours emerged on Thursday, with suggestions that Okonkwo was close to switching to Derby County, known as The Rams. However, those reports have since been dismissed by Daily Mail journalist Nathan Salt, who said the goalkeeper is not nearing a move to the club.

Salt also reported that Okonkwo remains determined to stay at Wrexham and compete for his place in the starting line-up.

The goalkeeper’s position at Wrexham came under increasing pressure towards the end of the 2025-26 season. He had also been out of favour at the beginning of the campaign, despite having played a significant role for the club during the previous season.

Okonkwo started 38 Championship matches last season and kept nine clean sheets as Wrexham narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs.

However, his status as Wrexham’s first-choice goalkeeper was challenged after Danny Ward replaced him for the opening four matches of the season. Okonkwo was also named among the substitutes for the final four games.

That change in selection led to speculation about his future, particularly after he was left out of Wrexham’s friendly against Liverpool. His absence from that fixture was interpreted by some as an indication that a transfer to Derby County was close.

Despite those developments, Salt’s account suggests Okonkwo’s immediate intention is to remain with Wrexham and fight to regain his place in the team rather than seek a move away from the club.

The Hale End Academy graduate has continued to feature during Wrexham’s pre-season preparations. He started the matches against Manchester United and Leeds United, while also playing the entire second half of the fixture against Wisła Krakow.

Those appearances indicate that Okonkwo remains involved with the squad as Wrexham prepare for the new campaign, although his position in the starting side is still subject to competition.

The reports of a possible move to Derby County therefore appear to have been premature. There has been no confirmation that Okonkwo is undergoing a medical or that an agreement has been reached between the clubs.

For now, the goalkeeper is expected to remain at Wrexham, where he will attempt to persuade the coaching staff that he should reclaim the No.1 shirt.