Wrexham get major transfer boost as top target left out of matchday squad to force through move

Wrexham have been handed a major boost in their bid to land their top transfer target.

The Red Dragons are desperate to bring in a new striker in the January window before it closes and have been linked with a number of players.

But they appear to be a step closer to landing Bristol Rovers’ frontman Aaron Collins after he ruled himself out of contention for their latest game.

Rovers beat Oxford United 3-1 at the Memorial Stadium but Collins did not want to be involved in the matchday squad amid speculation about his future.

Manager Matt Taylor said it was the player’s request and after speaking with Collins, it was communicated to him that he wasn’t in the position to feature.

“That’s not my decision, it’s Aaron’s decision,” he explained, as per Goal.

“We understand that there’s a lot going on behind the scenes in terms of what might happen over the next few days in the transfer window.

“We had that discussion with him yesterday and he didn’t feel as though he was quite in the position to be available for today.”

Collins is currently playing a league above Wrexham in League Two but is from Wales and is said to be keen on turning out the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The former Newport County, Wolves and Forest Green Rovers man scored 16 goals in each of his last two seasons and won’t be a cheap purchase.

Bristol Live are reporting that League One side Bolton Wanderers have tabled a £600,000 but the Gas have rejected the offer as they believe it does not reflect his value.

The transfer window shuts on Thursday, a few days after Wrexham’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Blackburn.

Phil Parkinson’s side will take on Newcastle in the next round if they can get the job done at Ewood Park.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny receive huge Wrexham transfer boost after Arsenal decision

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s Wrexham received a huge transfer boost after Arsenal opted not to recall one of the loanees.

Wrexham pulled off a major coup in the summer by securing the signing of goalkeeper Arthur Okwonko on loan from Arsenal.

The England youth international, who starred on loan at Austrian side Sturm Graz last season, replaced Ben Foster between the sticks this summer.

And after a strong start to the League Two campaign with Wrexham, there was concern Arsenal could recall the 22-year-old.

The Gunners reserved the right to trigger a clause in Okwonko’s loan agreement and bring him back to the Emirates before January 21.

However, said concerns have been allayed with the deadline having now been and gone. The shot-stopper has played 22 times for Wrexham in all competitions since joining in September.

Okwonko did briefly return to the Gunners’ Colney base for treatment on a jaw injury sustained in December but now looks set to remain in League Two for the remainder of the season.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson outlined his relief that Arsenal decided against recalling Okwonko.

He said: “It’s a massive signing for us to keep Arthur, he’s been exceptional for us.

“He’s a great lad and has bought into everything the club is about. He’s moved up here and he’s been great to have around, but not just that, he’s a terrific goalkeeper.

“When someone plays well you always worry that they’ve caught the eye of other teams. So yes, I was pleased when the clock struck 12 after the 21st.”

Parkinson also hinted that Arsenal were pleased with Okwonko’s progress while at the Welsh outfit.

He added: “They’ve been brilliant with us. They’re very interested in Arthur’s progress, and they know we’re looking after him well

“This is a great stage for Arthur to play on, with the expectancy of everything here at Wrexham, playing in front of packed houses every week. They understand this is a great place for him to be.”