Wrexham's dream 22-man squad for next season with seven new signings including Arsenal starlet

Wrexham will look to do some key business this summer as they prepare for life in League One - so we've taken a look at how they could theoretically line up.

The Red Dragons released eight players earlier this month, with manager Phil Parkinson confirming that the releases were mainly to allow new players to come in.

Like in League Two, third division clubs are limited to registering 22 players in their squads - excluding goalkeepers and under-21 players.

Wrexham currently have a squad of 19 players, but could make more room if they choose to do so by allowing current squad members to leave permanently or on loan.

With that in mind - and with the transfer window just weeks away from opening - we've put together a potential 'dream' scenario for how Wrexham's squad could look come August.

Goalkeepers - Luke McNicholas, Mark Howard, Arthur Okonkwo

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An ideal scenario for Parkinson would be to keep the same goalkeeping contingent as last season.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard has been offered a new contract, although is yet to sign it.

Luke McNicholas will stay as backup, while Wrexham will hope to convince out-of-contract goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to pen permanent terms following a successful loan spell from Arsenal last season.

Judging by his previous comments about the club, that may not be a hugely difficult task - although the Red Dragons would have to pay training compensation to the Gunners as Okonkwo is under the age of 22.

Wing-backs - Luke Bolton, James McClean, Ryan Barnett, Jacob Mendy, Jason McCarthy

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Wrexham are reportedly keen to sign a right wing-back, and Jason McCarthy - one of the most consistent right-backs of recent seasons with Wycombe - could be an ideal acquisition.

The Englishman only made 10 League One appearances last season for the Chairboys due to undergoing toe surgery, but has plenty of third tier experience and only has a year left on his contract.

James McClean ideally will sign the contract extension offered to him by Wrexham, with Jacob Mendy, Ryan Barnett and Luke Bolton all remaining valuable squad options.

Centre-backs - Max Cleworth, Will Boyle, Thomas O'Connor, Eoghan O'Connell, Marvin Ekpiteta, Paddy McNair

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Alongside McCarthy's ability to play at centre-back, we've gone with six main central defenders as part of Wrexham's 2024/25 squad.

Two of those will be new additions. Wrexham have been linked with a move for out-of-contract Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta, who played for the club in League One this term but was named as their Player of the Season in the previous campaign in the Championship.

Elsewhere, former Manchester United academy graduate Paddy McNair is also set to be released by Middlesbrough, and can also provide a reliable option in central midfield having primarily played there at the Riverside Stadium.

Max Cleworth, meanwhile, will be aged 21 when the season starts and won't need to be registered - meaning we can get another player in further down the line...

Midfielders - Andy Cannon, Jordan Davies, George Evans, James Jones, Elliot Lee, Greg Docherty, Ben Woodburn

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Already possessing a strong midfield department despite several releases, we're anticipating that Wrexham stick with most of their current contingent.

Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee are two of the club's star players, scoring a combined 24 goals last season. West Ham academy graduate Lee scored 18 of them.

In terms of signings, ex-Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn is a free agent following his Preston North End departure, and the Wales international might welcome a move to the Racecourse Ground to restart his career after a lack of game time this season.

Elsewhere, Scotland midfielder Greg Docherty has seen his game time at Hull cut as a result of their significant investment, but the 27-year-old is a proven commodity at League One and even Championship level. Wrexham would need to fend off reported interest from Blackburn, though.

Forwards - Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott, Steven Fletcher, Benji Magee

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Wrexham are said to be after a new striker, but would need to reduce their numbers in that department first.

Sam Dalby, Jake Bickerstaff, Billy Waters and Anthony Forde could all leave the club on loan or permanently, which would leave room for 21-year-old striker Benji Magee to fill the final spot in the squad.

The Loughgall striker smashed in 16 goals in the Northern Irish Premiership last season, and Goal claim that Wrexham have taken an interest in signing him.

Elsewhere, Paul Mullin will again be a key player in the third tier, while Jack Marriott will hope to reprise some of his form from the 2017/18 League One campaign that saw him hit 27 goals for Peterborough.