Summer Construction

As the season nears it's very end, most Clubs know their position and their successes or failures. As contracts run out, players are sold and the transfer rumours hot up - what is the state of your Club, it's squad and what does it need to rebuild and improve for next season?

We've lost probably our best performer of last season and that will effect us no doubt. We'll need a replacement as far as I'm concerned. Diaby nor Gilberto will do Flamini's job justice and Denílson isn't that type of player.

We'll welcome Vela and a few other faces into the ranks, but none that will really improve our overall quality. With Lehmann gone as well I feel we'll need to bring in another Keeper to challenge Almunia, as I do like Fabianski but don't think he's ready.

I would rather get rid of the inconsistent Eboué and bring in a more creative player for that wide role and bulk up our central defensive cover. With Alex Song showing some good qualities in the ACN and latter Arsenal games and Senderos proving he's not really improving, there might be a shift there in terms of ranking but I fear Wenger will still put his trust into Senderos and it could effect us. Gallas and Touré have been far from brilliant this season and sometimes they have let us down, but it means little as there is nobody to challenge them for a position.

Other than that I'm happy enough. A creative Midfielder who can play wide and another central Defender to challenge Touré and Gallas a bit better from the bench, a Defensive Midfielder to 'replace' Flamini as best possible (Diarra would have been good, haha) and possibly a Keeper to challenge Almunia.

If we can get Diaby, Rosický and van Persie fit for 80% of the season we'll be very strong. I'm also excited about Walcott this season and interested to see how Vela will come into the fold. I do think we'll challenge even stronger next season but I do think some new faces are needed Mr.Wenger.

First and foremost we have to make sure that Torres keeps scoring. He's had a brilliant first season - something I didn't expect, and we are hoping even more that he stays healthy and avoids a sophomore slump. Defenses will be all over him like a rash next year so we need players around him to set him up for goals, and who can score on their own accord.

That's probably the biggest priority in the transfer season along with fullbacks. With the Kewell gone and Riise seemingly close to be heading out as well, we need some people to fill the missing pieces. Sure, we have Benayoun, Pennant (who may leave as well), Babel, etc., but what has separated us from Chelsea and Manchester United is depth. We are a squad filled with good players with only Gerrard and Torres to rely on for magic to happen. At times, we've seen magic with one touch football that can be compared to that of Barcelona's and ball movement to be comparable to Arsenal. But we do this against the mid-table teams. Once we take on the big guns in the league, they cast a shadow on Torres and Gerrard, and the obvious weaknesses are exploited. We lack the depth to keep up with United and Chelsea who can afford to put in a second string and still be able to dispose of opponents. We put in our second string and we couldn't even beat Barnsley. We need consistency on the pitch and enough quality players that can make injuries to our starters negligible. The injuries to Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso early on in the season absolutely crippled our season and we suffered a huge dip in form as we were forced to play Hyypia and Carragher every time out. Rafa's rotation policy suffered much criticism because it showed our lack of depth and we weren't able to dispose of the lower-ranked teams when it really should be routine considering our reputation as a club. We need some good signings this summer to bolster the squad and make Benitez's rotation policy effective. But regarding that, I have no problem with him rotating, but his mistake was not keeping a back-bone that stays on the pitch. United almost always plays with Van Der Sar, Ferdinand, Vidic, Ronaldo, and Rooney. Chelsea plays Terry, Joe and Ashley Cole and Drogba almost week-in and week out, although they are deep enough in the bench to cover when injuries come. With Liverpool, you'd think that Benitez would stick with Reina, Carragher, Gerrard, Mascherano, and Torres as a spine to the team. But his downfall came when the only player guaranteed a spot on the starting XI consistently was Reina. When your own captain is being rotated, then questions have to be asked. It's a big dent to the chemistry of the team, and it was apparent that it wasn't working. Once Rafa stuck with Reina, Carragher, Gerrard, Mascherano, and Torres, he was able to create a solid back-bone to the team that he was able to rotate Alonso and Lucas; Benayoun and Babel; Kuyt and Pennant; Aurelio and Riise; Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Skrtel and Hyypia, et. al. Chemistry was at a high, and we struck great form.

With the current squad we have, I don't think we can mount a serious challenge for any trophies next season. Aurelio's fitness is always a question mark, Crouch may be leaving and we are left with Voronin as a second option, we have no natural out and out wingers, etc. We need to make some good signings to fill in the gaps, and I'm hoping we get players like Abidal, Silva, Rafinha, and Barry who gan fill in those holes.

We all have our separate opinions on what needs to be done, and whilst Mrtz has spoken about depth to our squad i think the Liverpool first eleven needs to be significantly improved.

With the title being so close, the games between the big four sides become crucial - as it happens, we've taken 4 points (0W, 4D, 2L) from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. Arsenal have taken 6 points (1W, 3D, 2L); Chelsea 8 (2W, 2D, 2L); and United a whopping 13 (4W, 1D. 1L) of a possible 18. Now, for example, if we had beaten United both times instead of being defeated, we would be level on points and primed for a title assault. I know its a case of "if", i'm not attempting to justify our season by that... we simply weren't good enough, hence we lost. But that's the point, we need to be good enough to beat the likes of United if we're to come close to the eventual winners, and we simply don't have enough in our attacking positions to penetrate their defence. That was so painfully abundant at Anfield, where we had the mass of possession yet couldn't threaten van der Sar, with Kewell and Riise woeful on the left.

Liverpool fans have concluded that 4-2-3-1 apparently doesn't work against the best sides, but that's not the case, it's simply that our personnel aren’t sufficient enough to deploy it effectively. To trouble these sides like United and Chelsea, whose defences are made of steel, you have to have class across your midfield and attack - otherwise they just mark your key players out of the game, as they've done with Torres and Gerrard.

If you take our sextet of midfield and attack, we use Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Babel, Kuyt and Torres. Three are fine, obviously (Masche/Gerrard/Torres). Then there is Alonso, Babel and Kuyt. The first has struggled to find good form over the past season or so, the second is young, raw and has a long way to improve, probably not ready for the very biggest games, whilst the third has been a confidence-wreck for most of this season and probably isn't good enough, considering he'd be up against Evra particularly (good squad player, not top quality). The most problematic factor is that two of the three are on the wings. Extend this 'analysis' to the full-backs, where we have had Aurelio/Riise on the left and Arbeloa/Carragher on the right and you see our full problem in wide positions, which will plague us until rectified.

This is the clear focus in the summer, and one winger, one full-back is the MINIMUM requirement if we're to make strides towards the elusive Premier League title.

Before you can look at this though you really need to think who will be leaving in the respective positions. Kewell's Liverpool tenure has already been executed - 1 winger down. Pennant has widely been linked with moves to Newcastle and the like, and with Benitez evidently losing faith after returning from injury he could easily be gone - 2 wingers down. Riise's future is in definite doubt after Benitez openly said he would consider letting him go if an offer came in, whilst the Norwegian has vented his frustration at contract talks not being opened - 1 full-back down. Finnan started the season on a low against Villa, mauled by Ashley Young, and has not recovered since, with his age cementing the idea that he could be sold - 2 full-backs down.

They are not unrealistic and if they happen, as i said, we'll need to bring in at the bare minimum a full-back and a winger, even still risking being short. To buy 4 players as replacements, then a central-midfielder (as Barry suggests) as well as a replacement for Crouch, plus the prospect of a Bosman 'keeper signing, and you total 7 new players. I seriously doubt that will happen.

As far as the wing goes, it is a little simpler. We must sign a player with the calibre of someone who could be a regular feature to our side, in the mould that Mascherano, Torres etc. fill. The player needs to be offensive, have individual class such that he can produce a piece of excellence in himself, and it's especially important that they can make attacking runs and are able to score. If we don't have someone like this we'll simply be too reliable on Gerrard and Torres and too predictable against the better sides. More conviction in our side is needed. The bulk of our transfer budget should be placed on this player and my choice would be David Silva, his attributes, age and Valencia's predicament make it a real possibility. Surely the additions of Torres and Mascherano, with their impact, will be enough to convince Benitez that a player of this stature is needed. If it costs £14m, £17m or whatever the price may be, then so be it.

Our wingers would consist then of Silva, Babel and Benayoun. Depending on the position Benitez sees fit for Kuyt, we could have 3 or 4 wide players. Personally, i'm unsure on Babel's ability against the best defences just yet, and if we could cheaply acquire an established player such as Mancini (said to be available for £4m) then that would be superb. It'd also give us options in the big matches, with Babel able to do what he does best and come from the bench to impact.

The full-backs are a little more uncertain. Finnan's future is far from determined and Insua's situation is similar in that does Benitez see him fit to play in the senior squad? I'm inclined to believe Finnan could possibly stay, using Carragher as cover for Arbeloa, whilst Insua won't be a major part of the senior squad next season, despite many peoples wishes.

We need full-backs competent in both defence and attack, to make 4-2-3-1 effective. Arbeloa is far from confident going forward, if able, whilst Aurelio is the opposite being a little vulnerable at the back. Not to mention injury-prone. There's one of two options really, considering that it's unlikely we'll purchase both a full-back for the right and left:

i) Left-back is more vulnerable in my opinion, so if we were to sign one full-back for one side it would be this one. An experienced player, in his late 20's definitely - to not cripple Insua's hopes of making the first-side in the future. Abidal has been linked and for the right price would be excellent.

ii) We could alternatively seek a full-back capable of operating on either the right or left, such as we have been linked with Lazio's Behrami, and then have Aurelio, Arbeloa and he as immediate players, with Carragher, Insua and even Barry (if the move does materialise) there to fill in if absolutely necessary.

Either way, we need something to happen. Once the main areas are sewn up we have other issues to contend with.

One spoken widely about is replacing Itandje as Reina's #2. I don't think this is a necessity but lot's of people do, and with Rafa suggesting we have agreed to sign a Bosman (or "cheap") player already, whose "not English but speaks good English", coupled with recent rumours around Maik Taylor, we could have our player. He'd be a very good 'keeper to have in reserve, definitely.

Then, with Benitez's love affair with central midfielders very apparent, and us using effectively 3 of them each match, it would be no surprise to see the position bolstered too. With Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano and Lucas we're a little short, and it's of course open that we are after Gareth Barry. As long as he isn't as replacement to Alonso, which i seriously doubt he is, then this would be a fine buy.

Lastly lies in the Crouch issue, with him a possibility to leave after Rafa slapped a £15m price-tag on his head. If he leaves, as would be expected considering his contract is up in the 2009 summer, we'd be left with only Voronin and Kuyt as cover for Torres. Someone would have to be signed to give us sufficient cover. Someone quick and ideally strong; someone able to lead the line and also partner Torres if required.

To be honest, the only position we are perfect in is the centre of defence, after Skrtel's January arrival. Make the needed acquisitions though - a central midfielder, a quality winger, a quality full-back and a replacement for Crouch - and we'll move on a fair way next year.

I dont know where to start for Newcastle. Anything could happen in the summer and we wouldnt be too shocked. We are always linked with the so called big names but what chances do we really have. I expect that we will sign four players in the summer. who will those be? your guess is as good as mine. What a do know is that we need more then four, i think we could need around seven.

This season has not been very good for a Newcastle fan and i think we deserve alot more from the team next year. Us Newcastle fans dont see our club as one that should challenge the top four. That would just be stupid (even for Geordies). All i want is Europe. That wont be easy, i think we will need to spend more then 50m. The owner has already invested 100m to clear our debts, so what are the chances he will give keegan the money he needs. Its hard to tell. Even if he gives keegan the money, it doesnt mean he will use it very well. Everyone knows about Newcastles past history with buying [beep!] players. Lets hope it dosnt continue.

The main area we need to imporve is the same as it was five years ago. Defence. Its a joke that we have had the same problem for so long. Although this season has been an improvement (in parts). We now have a very solid right back, a left back who is gettin used to the prem and a future england center back in steven taylor. However, thats all we have. The rest wouldnt get in sunderlands team, and thats saying something!. So we could need upto four defenders. We do have some youth defenders but im not sure if they are ready.

The players that we need for the midfield depends on the system we will be playing. Lets just say we play 4-4-2. This means we will use wingers, which we are not able to do at the minute. This is because our only real winger (James Milner) is not fit. We do have duff but we all know hes crap. In the summer we will buy a left winger. Im not sure who it will be, but i hope its a good one. This season Newcastle have been crying out for a creative midfielder, its easy for anyone to see. Whoever we bring in to do this role, he needs to be sh!t hot. He has the chances of making or breaking our season.

If Newcastle can keep hold of both Martins and Owen i will be happy. However, i still feel we need another hitman. Viduka is now out for upto six months and i would love it if we got crouch. 15m would be a lot, but if thats who we need, then why not!

I dont expect many players to leave. Those that will are:
Duff
N Zogbia
Ameobi (PLEASE!)
Emre (would be sad to see him go)

Its never a boring summer for Newcastle fans and i cant see this one being any different. We all know keegan has got quite a job on his hands to get this team back to where they belong. Has he still got the skill to do this? I dont know, we will soon find out though!!

I think that the pressure is going to be really high for Arsenal next season...i think that if we dont manage to win anything then a lot of the players will start to look to go elsewhere.

I'm gutted about Flamini leaving. and also after hearing todays news about Hleb, (i'm not entirely sure its been confirmed yet) i'm even more gutted because i just feel like until this season we didnt really get anything out of either of these players and now they've both come into their own and had amazing seasons, they're off. it sucks. i'm really curious to see if the same thing happens to these two, as it did with the other highly rated players who've left us. like Vieira or Henry. both left to achieve bigger and better things and both failed. only time will tell i guess.

Wenger without a doubt needs to bring in some new faces over the summer and not just up and coming new players, well known established players. going into the new season with the same squad and a few unknown newcomers will not fill me with confidence so i really dont hope it happens.

I'm not really sure who i want to leave, apart from Hoyte, but i dont think that will happen. as much as i used to slag off Bendtner, he does seem to have shown glimpses of improvement lately, so it could be interesting to see how he develops, but with the apparent 'differences' between him and the rest of the team, i just dont know how long he can last at Arsenal. I think Eboue has been a bit of a waste of space for us lately so i wouldnt mind seeing him gone.

I agree with J-Axe on the goalie situation. Would be nice to see someone as a back-up to Almunia. Fabianski has started the last couple of games for us, but he's looked really nervous and definitely wouldnt be confident enough or ready as a suitable replacement for Almunia just yet.

I'll be praying that RVP gets over his injury-prone style for next season. At full fitness i think he has potential to be the best striker in the premiership and i cant wait to see this happen

Thats all i can think of for now, but i really feel that next season is going to be huge for the Arsenal.

I think for Spurs this offseason is Ramos' first real chance to stamp his authority and style on the playing squad.

In January he had more pressing issues to deal with and that was sorting out the defence which he did with great efficiency in getting two of the better signings we've had in recent yeats in Hutton and Woodgate. I think it will prove to be a gret positive sorting the defence out back then as they will have time to gel, and barring another centerback purchase our defence is set for next season with:

Hutton and Gunther at RB
Bale and Gilberto at LB
Woodgate, King, (one of Dawson and Kaboul), and a yet to be known experienced signing such as Ben Haim or Alex of Chelsea. (Hudd and Zok can cover these positions too if worse comes to worse)

Obviously goalkeeper is a position that needs total rebuilding for us, with Robinson definitely leaving and Cerny almost 100% out the door. Ive heard rumours and I hope they are true that we are looking to sign two very good quality keepers this offseason and let them fight it out for the number one spot. For me I think we should sign:

Kameni (6mill pounds or so) to be the number two as this position is so important that injuries to your main keeper can ruin seasons, like Chelsea understand with thier persistance in keeping Cudicini on the books.
And a really class keeper like: Amelia, Sketelenberg, Lopez, Neuer etc to be number one.

Midfield well where to start, who to keep i guess. Hudd is a great talent and given time might fit into the midfield, especially is we ever go to a 5 man midfield. Zokora has been the player of the match for probably half a dozen of the last ten matches of this season and really has stakes his claim for a spot next year. Definitely a keeper but we do need to sign a top quality defensive midfielder aswell, Poulson, Veloso etc. And a winger who can play both sides, to replace Lennon but keep him as a impact player imo. Steed to keep as a squad player too for sure. Jenas im not too fussed about, can stay or go, he has a good games and maybe some competition for his place would encourage him to pull them out more. Signing id like to see are Diarra, Veloso or someone like Poulson etc. We'll see.

Up front with Berbs leaving there is definitely room for a replacement, apparently talks are ongoing with Etoo but i dont know what to make of that, I think we need someone who can let us switch to 4-5-1 as obviously Keane doesnt. Etoo would be perfect as he can be this player with Bent being his understudy (like Anelka and Drogba) and Keane finding his place deeper playing forward in a 5 man midfield.


Oh and most importantly I want Woodgate to be given the Captains armband.

it's been a great season for us.. although the cups have yet shown up.. but hope they're coming our way sooner than we think.. lol..

we're probably supposed to be still in the fa cup competition by chance if we're not unfortunately kicked out by pompey.. but that's an old story.. and all of us need to move on..

what's this thread asking?.. wait.. lol..

oh yeah.. next season.. maybe we're signing a few new players.. yeay.. it's always nice to sign new good players.. van der sar's already stated that he'll be retiring after this season ends.. so we've practically only got kuszczak and foster left.. and a team should have at least three goalies as i know..

and i always forget that we mostly play with just two strikers during this season.. Rooney and tevez.. saha isn't always fit to be helpful when we need him.. while.. ronaldo can replace the position if any strikers aren't capable.. but he's actually a winger.. so yeah.. we need another striker too obviously..

as for defenders.. brown and rio just signed new contracts.. and no real rumours about any teams wanting vidic or evra so far.. so that won't be very concerning.. besides silvestre seems to be doing better after his long injury.. it's great to have him back on pitch again..

and hargreaves.. lol.. i've completely no idea when any mates said that he's doing pretty good at defence.. he's more likely suitable to be placed in the middle.. but yeah.. just incase fergie changes his mind.. and pique needs to be mentioned as well..

going on further about mids.. i believe we've got plenty for this position.. lol.. so we wouldn't probably be signing any new ones.. nani'd be ready to take turns with giggs in the left wing area.. yet i'm not sure about scholes.. we still need him to lead the youngsters..

Did you see one of the goals he conceded last weekend? Robinson mark II...

No I havent but look at Cech, Reina, Van Der Sar, Valdes, all have made shockers this season, every top keeper does.

I wouldt still LOVE for us to sign Amelia in the summer to be our number one.

as far as West Ham are concerned the key concern for next season will be to free up the injury table. at any one time we have had up to 15 players injured. that is ridiculous and needs sorting. we have enlisted a team of experts from a london hospital to help reduce the many niggling strains and sprains we have been suffering with and the physio team has had a complete overhaul which was needed.

this season has been not so much of a rollercoaster as a long boring drive on a motorway for days on end. Curbishley's hand had been forced with regards to tactics, team selection and general style of play which contributed to the more simple minded of fans to get on his back. he has done well to be mid table considering the injuries we had and some of the players we were forced to play every week.. (im looking at you Cole).

i think we are looking to make 2-3 singings which could be from here or abroad as we have enlisted Gianluca Nani as our 'techincal director' and chief foreign scout to cover Curbishleys obvious lack of knowledge of the european market. i know that Curbs has been out to Italy a couple of times and watched a few games with Nani to i imagine they have their eye on one or two players out there. Nani is known for producing the likes of Roberto Baggio and players such as Kaka, Cannavaro and Maldini all have great things to say about him so he is obviously no mug which should bode well in the european market.

our other concern will be to trim the huge amount of deadwood we have at the club, players like Quashie, Davenport, Cole, Mullins and a few others should be touted around or disposed of. no first team players will be leaving this summer contrary to the usual crap from the newspapers who claim Ljungberg is having his contract terminated. complete nonsense.

my hope for next season will be to puch on a bit from last year but im not expecting huge things in all honesty. i would be happy with finishing around 8th. as long as the players are fit and giving their all then i think a UEFA Cup push is not beyond the realms of realism so im sure that will be the club's aim but i wont be looking for anybodys head on the blocks if this does not happen.

So the rumours of the top wage earners from last summers spending being asked to leave are untrue Steely? It was pretty widely reported that you guys were offering sme crazy wages to average players last offseason.

hugely untrue.

no first team players have been asked or will be asked to leave. also the figures being produced about the alleged wages we are paying are insane. it seems when it came to West Ham every player we purchase had all his bonuses etc included in his general weekly wage thus vastly exaggerating his actual wage.

as an example, Ljungberg earns 65,000 a week. depending which rag you read its actually between 70-90,000 a week. its pathetic, annoying and embarrassing. Ljungberg has image rights and stuff so undoubtedly earns more but that is not part of his wage. reporting that it is his wage is nothign short of a lie. but they dont let that stop them do they.

its already been announced at the clubs AGM that no first team players will be leaving. they also said the wage bill needs trimming, ie the deadwood needs chopping back. but the papers have clung onto that section and twisted it to make a story out of nothing claiming ur 'high earners' need to be ditched.

where is the logic in trimming a wage bill if you have to pay 3 million pounds or whatever to buy the contract out? its entirely illogical. i read somewhere that we were buying out the contracts of Neill, Boa Morte and Ljungberg!! how stupid would that be? we would have to spend about 8million on getting rid of 3 players!!? i do wonder who thinks up this kind of stuff.

With Wenger claiming he'll make a signing in the coming weeks and 2-3 players over the Summer, lets just have a look at the current squad and where the construction is necessary.

[Inspired by Ben91 in the Liverpool Rumours thread]
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GK
Almunia
Fabianski
Mannone

I still think we really need to make a signing here. Mannone and Fabianski are very young and Almunia himself is no experienced veteran at that level. Almunia will have a new role to play, despite being no.1 last season he was always playing for his shirt as the German International was sitting & waiting on a mistake. Fabianski nor Mannone will worry Almunia, that worries me.
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RB
Sagna
Hoyte
Eboué

We're fine here. Sagna has been nothing short of excellent for us. Hoyte is sturdy enough and can fit into all sorts of games I feel. I like the kid and think he has the right passion & quality to play this role in the squad. Eboué will be used in Midfield like before unfortunately, but I still see him as the third choice RB, unless he gets games in that role and pushes ahead of Hoyte again.
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RCB
Touré
Djourou
Song

Touré needs to improve on last season. He's been a rock for us since he found that position alongside Sol Campbell but last season there were some worrying inconsistencies - nothing majorly bad, but just a few dodgy moments; particularly in the partnership with Gallas. Djourou has to establish himself as a good cover Defender again, but I'm thinking positively about Alex Song following his performances in the ACN and latter Premiership games. Wenger has massive belief in him. I still think we need to try and bulk up the quality in this area depth-wise.
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LCB
Gallas
Senderos
Gilberto Silva

Gallas needs to show more responsibility and leadership. Other than that he's a great Defender. He is more intelligent than Touré and I think both CBs pull each other out of danger, depending on the relevant circumstance. Senderos has his positives, but is shaky at times and inconsistent when the ball is at his feet. He's easily rocked and can make bad mistakes - Wenger still believes in him though. Gilberto can play there, but he's no natural CB and again I will say we need somebody to come in and bulk up this area - somebody good enough to challenge Gallas and Touré for a spot!
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LB
Clichy
Traoré
Gallas

Clichy has it nailed. He can't stop getting better. There's no worries here until the guy gets injured. Traoré has massive potential but I think he's went downhill this past season - whether that's the luxurious lifestyle taking it's toll on his concentration & attitude, or it's a confidence issue. I hope he steps up to a level in where he can at least cover Clichy strongly again. Gallas is useful here also.
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WR
Hleb
Walcott
Eboué

Hleb is preferred through the middle. We don't even know if he'll be here in a few weeks. I'm happy with Hleb there, although he's not a great Winger, we aren't really a side who stretches teams left to right and serves the box from angles. Hleb links up with Cesc brilliantly and his creativity brings a lot - his physical weaknesses hamper us at times though. Walcott has a brighter future this season and I hold him in much higher regard than Eboué.

I do think we should be looking to sign a wide attacking Midfielder whether we lose Hleb or not.
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DM
Gilberto Silva
Diaby
Denílson
Song

By default the Brazilian gets Flamini's position. Not that he's new to the role, he was probably our best player before Flamini snatched his place. I don't think he's the same player two years ago, but he will serve well and his experience is a bonus. Diaby can play there, he's more dynamic but less disciplined; he's prone to injury as well, so that's a worry. Denílson and Song can play there, but I don't feel they've got the all round abilities to play a season in this role.
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CM
Cesc
Denílson
Rosický
Hleb
Merida

Probably our strongest position. Cesc is the key man and the backup I feel is strong. Denílson gives you skill & strength; Hleb can bring creativity & more skill; Rosický if given the chance is superb in this role. If we lose Hleb though, it might be a worry if Rosický is playing out wide/injured again and only Denílson is replied upon to backup Cesc. So here's where the wide attacking Midfielder signing will come in useful. However any of the DM players can fill in here also. Merida could come in if really necessary.
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WL
Rosický
Hleb
Walcott
Vela
Diaby

Hopefully the Czech gets fit and at least plays half a season this time. If so, great! If not, step up Walcott or Vela and show your mettle. Hleb can also do a fine job out here - and again a new attacking wide player could feature and bulk up the quality. Wenger has played Diaby here a lot - I can't fault him albeit he's no pacey attacking Winger.
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CF/ST
Adebayor
van Persie
Bendtner
Eduardo
Walcott
Vela

With Adebayor banging in 30 goals, the same will be expected next season. To be honest, I'm not too confident that he will match that, even if he improves as a player. I think if van Persie is included more then we will see less pressure on Adebayor and he will be able to show more strengths - his pressure will at least be shared and so then will the goals. van Persie on form is a goal every other game man - get him fit and we're flying. Adebayor works well for us now whilst Bendtner, Eduardo and Walcott have all come into certain games and shown good quality and the ability to score important goals. Vela will be a new addition, but I can't see him getting any big starts up front.

So basically we need:

- An extra Keeper with more experience at high levels to keep Almunia on his toes.
- An extra Central Defender with at least decent experience to shuffle above Djourou & Senderos to compete with Gallas & Touré.
- An attacking Midfielder, preferably a wide player.
- A defensive Midfielder, similar to that of the Flamini/Diarra type player we happened to lose this season.

your squad is so much better then Newcastle's . We only have 2 fullbacks in the full squad . Keegan thinks we only need 3-4 players. Oh he is soo wrong!

Would you rather he look to mass strengthen with maybe 7 or 8 cheaper players or bring in 3 real quality players?

With the injury problems Newcastle have suffered the past three years, 10 half whack decent players in every position is necessary.

It is hard to say. As a club i dont see us attracting real quality players. We are not the team we used to be anymore and without European football it will be hard to attract the quality of players that are needed. This question also depends on the amount of money he gets to spend and whether we sell Owen or Martins.

It is clear to everyone that we need to improve our defense. The main type of player we need is a strong CB. Big Sam bought Beye, who i believe is the best right back in the Prem (you may laugh but i dont care ), and Enrique, who has got better as the season went on. So there is some progress for once. However, the numbers are weak. We need backup players who are still able to fill in when needed.

We also need a creative midfielder. This is what we have been missing all season. It is the reason why we have played Owen behind the front two. Although Owen (IMO) has done great, im not sure if we will play the same system next season.

I believe we need a target man. Viduka will be out for all of the summer and could miss the start of the season. He has done ok for us this season sayin as we got him on a free. He is gettin old so i would like to get someone else in. Crouch would be good but the price will have to also be good for that to happen.

I used to think we would have to sell N Zogbia because we all thought he was unhappy, but he has came out and said he wanted to stay. I hope now that this is cleared up he gets a chance to show us what he can do. This means that i would only want to sell two players. Duff and ameobi. If we sell anyone else i would not be happy.

So overall, i believe we do need three real quality players. But we also need some backup players, these backup players still have to be at a high level though.

Great post Axe man...

I've repeatedly said that we really need a good enough CB(atleast as cover for our 2 main CBs), a defensive midfielder in place of Flamini who should be consistent enough if not brilliant and an attacking player in the wing(either right or left). I also think Hleb won't go out(atleast for this season), so we are a bit safe in the creative department...

I dunno about the Keeper's position though as Almunia has been good and consistent enough throughout the season and Fabianski is improving all the time...

I think Ameobi has practically gone ()

I'd like to see Smith sold to be honest. Did ok in glimpses but really added nothing (not all his own fault, though, with where he was being played). Talk of selling him for £5 million - well worth it I think.

What is with the sad face about selling Ameobi, he is one of the worst forwards in the Prem. He is tall but cant header, has a bad shot on him and he's slow.

If we get another forward in then i guess 5million would be good money for Smith. The move hasnt worked for both parties to be honest. However, he says he wants to stay.