Despite being promoted to League One, Wrexham has not yet signed an in-coming contract, thus they will be searching for new players this summer.
That’s not to argue that Wrexham is sluggish in the transfer market; after all, it’s just May and Championship clubs are just now beginning to share their retained lists.
Phil Parkinson is likely to be quite busy, and some of his targets are starting to surface in the media.
The trio of Josh Magennis, Stephen Humphrys, and Tom Pearce, who were released by Wigan Athletic, are reportedly on Wrexham’s wish list.
Blackpool released defender Marvin Ekpiteta this summer; he is also thought to be a target for Wrexham.
Although such transfers are being worked on in the background, Wrexham’s top transfer target for this summer is without a doubt.
Goalie Arthur Okonkwo explains why Arsenal left Wrexham after a fantastic loan period at STōK Cae Ras. It makes sense that Wrexham wants to retain him in the long run.
Ben Foster decided to retire after just a few appearances this past season, thus Okonkwo went on loan from Arsenal to Wrexham.
After arriving, Okonkwo emerged as Wrexham’s top stopper during the season, putting up some outstanding performances.
Humphrey Ker and Phil Parkinson have both expressed their desire for Wrexham to sign Okonkwo on a long-term basis this summer.
The 22-year-old’s contract with Arsenal expires this summer, and he will become a free agent.
Wrexham would love to bring him back on a permanent basis but there will be major competition from higher up the English football pyramid.
Okonkwo has now explained his Arsenal exit to The Mirror, accept that his time with the Gunners has been an ‘incredible journey’.
The giant stopper wants to really kick on with his career though, admitting that he could still play for England or Nigeria on the international stage.
Okonkwo feels that his Arsenal exit is ‘bittersweet’ but he is ambitious and wants to really progress with his career after a strong spell at Wrexham.
“It’s been an incredible journey, from joining at the age of eight, I’m now 22 and I’ve been there for 15 years which has been brilliant because I’ve worked with amazing people, from the academy to the first-team,” said Okonkwo.
“It’s a bittersweet moment because I have to start a new chapter as I’ve had so many great years at Arsenal but, in the last two years, I need to keep playing and carry on my journey. I’m still really ambitious to play at international level. I can still play for England or Nigeria and I’ve not made a choice yet. I think, at 22, you are still young as a ‘keeper and to have played this much, had so much experience can only help because my position is probably a lot tougher than people think,” he added.
Okonkwo must consider Wrexham
If Okonkwo wants to further his international ambitions, Wrexham may not be a bad shout.
Being featured on Welcome to Wrexham really puts you in the spotlight and the move has already helped one player live his international dream.
Jacob Mendy has admitted that joining Wrexham has given him the ideal platform to go on and become a Gambia international, with his presence at the club putting him on the Gambia radar.
Nigeria will surely be aware of Okonkwo’s talents and certainly should be exploring calling him up before England can land him.
Going and sitting on the bench at a perceivably ‘bigger’ club won’t aid Okonkwo’s dreams and if he wants to start and become a key player somewhere, Wrexham may be the ideal place for him to play his football.
