Arsenal
THE GUNNERS FAILED to sign a single outfield player last season, although the addition of Petr Čech was welcomed.
The failure of Arsene Wenger to add more firepower in attack has led to more questions on the Frenchman’s future at the club.
First-choice striker Oliver Giroud has never hit the golden 20-goal mark in the Premier League since joining from Montpellier in 2012, and a new star striker could finally see Wenger’s men maintain a title challenge into May.
Recommendation: Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
Aston Villa (relegated)
Defeat to Manchester United in April confirmed Villa’s relegation to the Championship, although their fate had been known for several months before hand, after several listless performances.
Goals are key to getting out of the Championship and although Rudy Gestede has experience of playing in the second tier of English football, it is essential that Villa add more goals to their attack.
Recommendation: Patrick Bamford (Chelsea)
Bournemouth
Eddie Howe’s men fought against the odds to secure another season in the Premier League after an impressive maiden campaign in England’s top flight. Next year promises to be even tougher now that the opposition are familiar with their style of play and the Cherries will need to show even more resilience to avoid a relegation battle next term.
Recommendation: Robbie Brady (Norwich)
Chelsea
Antonio Conte has arguably the toughest job of any new Chelsea manager in recent seasons. With no European football, Chelsea will need to concentrate their efforts in building from the back, an aspect of their game which has made them so successful over the last decade.
Recommendation: Marquinhos (PSG)
Crystal Palace
Alan Padrew’s men tumbled down the table in 2016, after being as high as fifth in December. No Crystal Palace player managed to reach double figures for the season, despite the creative ability Yohan Cabaye in midfield and the dribbling skill of their wingers Yannick Bolaise and Wilfred Zaha — a new striker could see them secure a top 10 finish next season.
Recommendation: Wilfried Bony (Manchester City)
Everton
The Toffees offer plenty of attacking threat but that has too often been counteracted by a leaky Toffees defence. With Tim Howard joining Colorado Rapids in MLS, Joel Robles will be the only senior goalkeeper at the club and question marks remain if the Spaniard can be considered Everton’s long-term no 1.
Recommendation: Asmir Begović (Chelsea)
Leicester City
Claudio Ranieri has already stated that the aim for the Foxes next season will be a top 10 finish, but with the challenge of Champions League football to come, Leicester will not be able to rest on their laurels. The first player on Ranieri’s wishlist should be a winger to play on the left side to compliment Riyad Mahrez.
Recommendation: Yevhen Konoplyanka (Sevilla)
Liverpool
Although Simon Mignolet signed a long-term contract with Liverpool until 2021, the Belgian has been less convincing in goal, making several high-profile errors throughout the season. A new goalkeeper could rejuvenate Liverpool’s defence for next season.
Recommendation: Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola faces the biggest challenge of his career when he takes over the reins at Manchester City. The former Barcelona manager inherits a squad that has never really delivered on it’s potential, leaving Guardiola a huge task to make his mark at the Etihad Stadium. Several new signings are needed if City are to challenge next season.
Recommendation: Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Manchester United
United need to start taking games to the opposition, after failing on numerous occasions to score in the first- of games. Manchester United fans have had to endure rather than enjoy watching their team over the last couple of seasons and the board need to deliver a star signing to bring a sense of renewed optimism around Old Trafford.
Recommendation: Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Newcastle United
A lack of a goalscoring centre forward has cost the Magpies dearly this season, and perhaps a return of a former striker could be the answer to Newcastle’s problems in front of goal.
Recommendation: Andy Carroll (West Ham)
Norwich City
The Canaries return to the Premier League was hampered by a lethal cocktail of an error-prone defence and strikers who failed to score enough goals. The threat of relegation was always going to be on the cards for Alex Neil’s men.
Recommendation: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City)
Southampton
The Saints have a strong tradition of developing young players whether that be players from their acclaimed academy or players transferred from other clubs. An attack-minded right full-back could add a new dimension to Ronald Koeman’s side for next season.
Recommendation: Cyrus Christie (Derby County)
Stoke City
Mark Hughes has proved that he can attract some of Europe’s most high-profile players to the Potters and will be looking for a new striker to improve on a season that faded at the end.
Recommendation: Christian Benteke (Liverpool)
Sunderland
Sam Allardyce certainly achieved all that could have possibly been asked of him at the Stadium of Light, and some astute signings in the January transfer window, most notably the additions of Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchhoff made the Black Cats difficult to beat. The former West Ham manager will be looking for more creativity in midfield to build on his solid foundations at the back.
Recommendation: Sofiane Feghouli (Valenica)
Swansea
After a season of flirting with relegation for the first time since their promotion in 2011, Swansea need to ensure they recruit the right type of players to avoid a repeat performance.
Recommendation: Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Tottenham Hotspur
After an outstanding season, Tottenham fans will be demanding more of the same next year and with Mauricio Pochettino in charge, there is a genuine belief that this could be just the start of a successful period. With a bit more pace in the side Spurs could be an even bigger threat next season.
Recommendation: Sadio Mane (Southampton)
Watford
A new manager and an influx of new players from all around the world seemed a recipe for disaster for newly-promoted Watford but Quique Sánchez Flores’ side have defied all predictions this season. Watford were not as convincing in the second part of the season as they were the first, and as a result the Hornets may need to strengthen in attack to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle next season.
Recommendation: Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
West Brom
Baggies fans are seeing both sides of life under the management of Tony Pulis – likely to keep you safe from relegation, unlikely to keep you entertained while doing so. The former Crystal Palace manager will need to attract some stardust to the Hawthorns if he wants to avoid a winter of discontent.
Recommendation: Jordan Ibe (Liverpool)
West Ham
West Ham has a feel of a club on an upward trajectory, after a successful first season under new manager Slaven Bilić, the Hammers can look forward to their move to the Olympic Stadium with a genuine sense of hope. The vocal home support will be demanding a new star signing to grace their new stadium.
Recommendation: Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)
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