Wrexham plot sensational club-record transfer for Lyon star Pavel Sulc as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney target Premier League push

According Football Insider, Wrexham plane to smash their transfer record in the closing days of the summer window by pulling off one of the most audacious moves in Championship history. The Red Dragons, backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are determined to build on their recent success and have identified Lyon’s Sulc as the man to take them to the next level.

The club has already been active in the market, splashing out approximately £16m during the current window on three key additions. Full-back Danny Imray arrived from Crystal Palace, midfielder Ben Whiteman joined from Preston North End, and goalkeeper Anthony Patterson was signed from Sunderland.

The deal for Patterson is believed to be worth at least £8m, which currently represents the club-record fee paid out by the Welsh side. However, that figure could be dwarfed if the pursuit of Sulc proves successful.

The latest reports suggest that Wrexham are preparing a formal approach that would fundamentally alter their wage structure and transfer strategy. According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, Wrexham are planning to submit a club-record bid to sign Czechia international midfielder from Ligue 1 giants Lyon. The 25-year-old was in fine form last term, scoring 11 goals in France's top division, making him Lyon’s top goalscorer alongside Corentin Tolisso.

Sulc’s pedigree is significant, having featured for his country at the World Cup before a knee issue hampered his pre-season preparations this summer. Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has already hinted that the player could be on the move if a suitable offer arrives.

"There are options out there," Fonseca stated at the beginning of August. "We really value him here - he had an excellent season last year. I can't say right now whether he'll leave or not. Pavel's value is very high, and every club in Europe will be keeping a close eye on him."

Other reports have suggested an even higher asking price for Sulc, with some figures reaching as high as £35m. Regardless of the final number, it would represent a monumental increase on Wrexham's current spending.

A deal at the £21m mark would have been an EFL record until earlier this month when West Ham signed Arne Engels from Celtic for £22m. While West Ham’s spending is supported by years of Premier League television revenue and major player sales, Wrexham’s ability to compete at this level is a testament to the global brand they have built.

The pursuit of Sulc is not without competition, as several Premier League clubs have been linked with the Czech star throughout the summer. Leeds United were mentioned as potential suitors earlier in the window, though reports in Yorkshire suggested Daniel Farke’s side were not actively pursuing a deal at the time.

Everton and Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest, while Juventus reportedly held talks with Lyon earlier in the year. If Wrexham were to beat such illustrious competition to Sulc’s signature, it would serve as a major statement of intent to the rest of the Championship.