Charlton favourites to sign Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo

Charlton are the leading candidates to sign Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo from Wrexham, although the transfer is being slowed by a disagreement over the structure of the deal. Wrexham prefer to sell the 24-year-old, while Charlton initially approached them about a loan move.

Okonkwo has one year remaining on his Wrexham contract, but the club have told him he can leave during the current summer transfer window. Wrexham are also prepared to consider a loan if the receiving club covers his wages, though an outright transfer remains their preferred option.

Discussions with Charlton are continuing and the Championship side is Okonkwo’s favoured destination. He is also attracting interest from Leicester City, who are in League One, but remaining in the Championship is important to his hopes of retaining his place in the Nigeria senior team.

The goalkeeper became a two-time Nigeria international during the summer international break. His latest national-team involvement came after a substantial spell with Wrexham, where he has made 121 appearances across all competitions.

Okonkwo featured 39 times in the Championship last season, giving him direct experience of the level Charlton are seeking to maintain. His possible move would therefore keep him in England’s second tier if the club’s preference for a permanent transfer can be resolved before the window closes.