Wrexham now face potential Coventry battle in face to sign their classical defender
Wrexham have made a first signing of the summer transfer window and Phil Parkinson may now face a real battle to land another target this summer.
Fans have been waiting patiently to find out the identity of Wrexham’s first signing after promotion to League One.
Well, it ended up being a rather familiar face as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo completed a permanent return to the STōK Cae Ras.
Wrexham took Okonkwo on loan from Arsenal last season and saw him become a firm fan favourite.
Okonkwo’s contract at Arsenal expires this summer and the Gunners have decided to let him go – paving the way for a move back to Wrexham.
The giant goalkeeper no doubt received plenty of interest from elsewhere but has chosen to sign a three-year deal with Wrexham, marking a major coup in the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era.
Wrexham face Hibernian battle for Marvin Ekpiteta
With Okonkwo now on board, Wrexham can focus on other signings and centre back is likely to be a position of priority for Phil Parkinson.
Wrexham have sadly missed out on Wigan Athletic’s Jason Kerr, but one other centre back has been linked with a move to the club.
Centre back Marvin Ekpiteta is available on a free transfer having left Blackpool this summer.
Reports in May suggested that Wrexham were showing a keen interest in signing Ekpiteta with more League One experience wanted.
No deal has materialised just yet though and Wrexham now face considerable competition for Ekpiteta’s signature.
The Daily Record report that Hibernian are now interested in taking Ekpiteta to Scotland.
Hibs have a new manager in former Manchester United talent David Gray and have already landed one EFL centre back by signing former MK Dons man Warren O’Hora.
It’s unclear whether Hibs would want both Ekpiteta and O’Hora but the free agent has attracted interest from Hibernian.
Wrexham have major pulling power but the chance to play in Scotland and take on the likes of Celtic and Rangers may well appeal to Ekpiteta.
Why Wrexham need centre backs so badly
Wrexham could easily walk into League One with a decent back line.
Max Cleworth is an outstanding talent with Eoghan O’Connell and Thomas O’Connor able to form a solid back line around him.
Wrexham are lacking depth at the back though having allowed three centre backs to leave the club this summer.
Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe were all let go at the end of their contracts, leaving Wrexham short in defence.
Parkinson will surely prioritise centre back signings soon enough with the interest in Kerr a clear example of his plans to add more options.
Ekpiteta could be one player to come in, but Wrexham may need to move quickly to get him in with Hibs now lurking.
Phil Parkinson’s side returned for pre-season testing this week as the team begin preparations for their toughest season yet.
