There are multiple pressing issues that Phil Parkinson must resolve at Wrexham this summer, including the Arthur Okonkwo transfer.
The transfer window opened on Friday and Wrexham supporters will be feeling excited about the summer ahead.
A football finance expert revealed that Phil Parkinson has up to £12 million to spend, and although Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are unlikely to unload close to that sum, a healthy budget is being presented to Parkinson.
Ahead of their return to League One, the Wrexham boss must resolve some current pressing issues.
In our view, here are the four most important…
Arthur Okonkwo’s future
Arthur Okonkwo’s future is the first thing that Parkinson is working hard to resolve this summer.
Talks are ongoing with the 22-year-old, according to McElhenney, with the Hollywood co-owner confident of wrapping up a deal.
Okonkwo was a revelation in goal for Wrexham last term and his ability to produce spectacular saves have unsurprisingly attracted Championship clubs.
The young shot-stopper has a bright future ahead but regardless of whether he returns to the Racecourse Ground, a new No.1 is a priority.
A left back to challenge Jacob Mendy
Wrexham have the core of a League One squad ready to tackle League One but at left-back, they’re looking a little bit light.
Parkinson currently has Jacob Mendy as his main option, and although James McClean played there for much of last season, the Republic of Ireland star is seen as a central midfielder.
Surprisingly, the Reds haven’t been linked to many players to fill that void. The only left-back Wrexham have shown an interest in is released Wigan Athletic star Tom Pearce, who would be a fine addition.
Resolving their lack of depth is a problem we’re sure will be sorted as Parkinson can ill-afford to go into the third tier with just Mendy, who won’t return from his injury until a few weeks into the season.
A new central defender
Wrexham shifted on multiple players once the season drew to a close and defence was the position that took the biggest hit.
Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and Ben Tozer were all released at the end of their contracts and that has left Parkinson light at the back.
The 56-year-old refuses to shift from a three-at-the-back system and currently has Max Cleworth, Tom O’Connor, Eoghan O’Connell and Will Boyle to choose from, with George Evans also capable of slotting into defence if needed.
Parkinson did see an approach rejected for Wigan’s Jason Kerr, who instead signed a new contract with the Latics, but that has just reinforced the need to strengthen their rearguard.
A striker to partner Paul Mullin
Last, but not least; a striker to partner Paul Mullin should be on Parkinson’s agenda this summer.
Although Wrexham have seven forwards currently on their books, Billy Waters needs to be shifted on permanently while Jake Bickerstaff and Sam Dalby should be loaned out.
That leaves just Jack Marriott to back up Mullin and veteran forwards Steven Fletcher and Ollie Palmer to partner the Liverpudlian up top.
Fletcher is yet to sign a new contract with the club and at the age of 37, only realistically has one more year left while Palmer is arguably not of the standard to play in League One.
If Wrexham are serious about challenging for promotion, they need to sign a proven striker at this level and luckily, there are plenty available.
