Wrexham AFC: Phil Parkinson should have this transfer priority over the summer - View | OneFootball

All eyes will be on Hollywood-owned Wrexham AFC over the summer as Phil Parkinson looks to bolster his ranks for another potential promotion push in League One.

However, while the Red Dragons have achieved back-to-back promotions in the last two seasons, the level of competition is set to increase significantly.

Indeed, there will be some big name challengers next term, with the likes of Birmingham City and Huddersfield dropping from the Championship.

One key area where Parkinson could do with strengthening if he wants to push on at the next level is up front.

Wrexham currently have six strikers on their books in the form of Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott, Billy Waters, Sam Dalby and Jake Bickerstaff.

Veteran forward Steven Fletcher is also considering an offer of a fresh one-year deal, although retirement could be tempting for the 37-year-old.

Talisman Mullin will continue to lead the line

There's no doubt whatsoever that Wrexham talisman Mullin is a shoo-in to start in League One after scoring more than 100 goals during his three seasons with the club.

But the truth is that only one of the Liverpudlian's fellow strikers has shown himself to be a reliable regular partner for him up front.

Waters has failed to make an impact after joining from Barrow in March last year, with a loan spell at Doncaster Rovers in the second half of this season proving fruitless.

Youngster Jake Bickerstaff was also loaned out to Accrington Stanley and struggled to establish himself.

After showing promise in the National League, former Southend United man Sam Dalby had difficulty adjusting to life in League Two last term.

Meanwhile, Marriott's arrival from League One Fleetwood Town in January was seen as a positive move, but he has registered just one goal for Wrexham so far.

Some of those mentioned are also more understudies to Mullin than potential partners.

Palmer is reliable Mullin partner but needs competition

That leaves record signing Palmer as the only person who has really established himself in the second striker berth.

His physical presence, excellent ball control and strong work ethic have proved a huge asset since he joined from AFC Wimbledon in January 2022.

During his first half-season, Palmer notched an impressive 16 goals in all competitions, followed by 17 during 2022/23 as Wrexham lifted the National League title.

Last term, his tally was reduced to just eight goals as he found himself in and out of the team at times.

However, his connection with Mullin proved to be crucial in the run-in, as the Scouser finished the season in a rich vein of form.

How often Palmer will feature in League One remains to be seen, but an exit from the Racecourse is not as distant as it once seemed for the 32-year-old.

It's a likelihood the player himself referenced in a recent interview on the Elvis Duran Show.

While the striker expressed his desire to stay with Wrexham until the end of his career, he admitted: “The honest reality is that (the club) is growing at such a fast pace and the aim is to get into the Premier League.

“There's no time to be sentimental, so my aim is to be there for as long as possible and to deliver the club success. I'll do that for as long as I'm wanted.”

Red Dragons linked with several big name strikers

As far as transfer targets go, Wrexham have been linked with many high-profile strikers since their season ended.

One name they are rumoured to have shown interest in can definitely be crossed off the list.

It follows Jonson Clarke-Harris joining newly-relegated Rotherham United this week after his contract with Peterborough United ended.

The Millers are expected to be one of the main challengers in League One, and it shows the amount of competition Wrexham now face in the transfer market.

Jamie Vardy's name has been touted, but the former Premier League top-scorer would likely command wages far higher than they are currently paying and looks almost certain to be retained by Leicester City if their financial backdrop allows.

Notts County marksman Macaulay Langstaff, who was the top scorer in League Two this term, has repeatedly been mentioned.

However, he said it would take "something incredible" for him to leave Meadow Lane. Stephen Humphrys also keeps cropping up in reports after leaving Wigan Athletic.

It's worth noting that some of those mentioned could upset the apple cart in that they are quite similar to Mullin in their playing style when what they really need is someone to complement him.

Outside the high-profile players touted, the Red Dragons were said to be keen on signing striker Ronan Hale from Northern Irish side Cliftonville in January.

The former Birmingham City youngster scored an impressive 22 goals this season and has one year left on his contract.

Parkinson must put striker signing top of his list

Parkinson has kept his cards close to his chest in media interviews so far, but has hinted that some rumours aren't too wide of the mark.

Speaking to the Leader newspaper, he said: “Inevitably, we are going to get linked with a lot of players. There is always a lot of gossip going around.

“To some of it there is an element of truth and to some of it there isn’t.”

The manager is known for biding his time in the transfer window as he looks to sign players of the right calibre.

When he does decide to bite the bullet this summer, a striker who can challenge Palmer for a spot in the starting XI should definitely be top of his shopping list.

Such competition can only be healthy as they look to continue their surge up the leagues.