Wrexham need to strengthen in a number of areas this summer with goalkeeper an absolute priority after promotion to League One.
Phil Parkinson has guided Wrexham back into League One and fans can look forward to third-tier action for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era has been a joy to behold so far but Wrexham now face the biggest test yet.
Going from the National League to League One in such rapid fashion means that Wrexham’s squad needs some major additions in the coming months.
Wrexham have already cleared some room having released a number of players, including the likes of Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Luke Young.
New signings have been elusive so far but Wrexham are keen to bring in at least one major coup this summer…
Rob McElhenney on Wrexham target Arthur Okonkwo
Wrexham saw Arthur Okonkwo turn in some exceptional displays this past season.
Snapped up on loan from Arsenal, Okonkwo was only brought in because Ben Foster suddenly retired just weeks into the campaign.
Okonkwo ended up becoming one of the stars of Wrexham’s promotion season, becoming a firm fan favourite.
Okonkwo is, sadly, another example of the old warning; don’t fall in love with a loan player.
Arsenal have released Okonkwo this summer but his performances in a Wrexham shirt mean there is plenty of interest elsewhere.
Wrexham are hopeful of striking a deal and McElhenney has now given an update whilst speaking to TalkSPORT.
McElhenney claims that there is a ‘very good chance’ that Okonkwo ends up signing permanently for Wrexham this summer.
The ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ star suggested that Okonkwo wants a return to the STōK Cae Ras this summer and talks are ‘actively’ ongoing.
McElhenney added that Wrexham are just trying to figure out a deal which ‘works for everybody’, hinting that talks are fairly advanced as Wrexham chase a real coup.
“There’s a very good chance,” said McElhenney. “We’re talking to Arthur actively right now, we know he wants to come back to Wrexham and we definitely want him. It’s just about working out the right deal that works for everybody,” he added.
Wrexham goalkeeping picture explained
Wrexham don’t currently have a clear number one stopper on the books.
Mark Howard, who spent last season as Okonkwo’s backup, is out of contract this summer but is expected to sign a new deal.
The veteran offers great experience but Parkinson brought in Okonkwo rather than use Howard as first-choice stopper last season.
That suggests that Howard won’t be first-choice next season either and whether it’s Okonkwo or somebody else, another goalkeeper is needed.
Irishman Luke McNicholas is also in the picture but spent the majority of last term as third-choice.
It’s difficult to imagine that McNicholas will be promoted to first-choice, but a strong pre-season could catapult him into contention – especially if Okonkwo doesn’t sign soon.
Okonkwo returning would be huge for Wrexham, but a firm answer one way or the other is needed soon in order to allow Wrexham a chance to move on to other targets.
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