Tag Futebol

The summer window may have closed but we at Football FanCast are already looking forward to the January spending spree.

And it appears that Arsenal, despite just coming to the end of the most lucrative window in the club’s history, are also looking forward to the market reopening in 2015.

Indeed, the Gunners took a step towards Premier League title contention with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers, David Ospina, Mathieu Debuchy and Danny Welbeck, but further recruitment is needed if the north London side are to compete with Chelsea and Manchester City at the league’s summit.

Subsequently, the tabloids are already filled with rumours of potential January acquisitions at the Emirates, so being the lovely bunch we are, we’ve listed FIVE of them

So without further ado, here’s the FIVE January deals already being eyed by Arsenal.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON ARSENE WENGER TO REVEAL ALL

[/ffc-gallery]

[ffcvideo file=”TopFiveVideosoftheWeek” type=”mp4″]

WILLIAM CARVALHO

Arsenal’s midfield has lacked top level physicality ever since Alex Song departed for Barcelona in summer 2012.

This is no great secret – but the good news for Gunners fans is that Arsene Wenger appears to be finally coming to the same conclusion, as he revealed in an interview with beIN SPORT yesterday afternoon:

And it’s believed the physical midfielder in question could be Sporting Lisbon hotshot William Carvalho, who was linked with an Emirates move throughout the summer and again by the Independent after the transfer window had closed:

The 22 year-old has emerged as one of European football’s hottest youngsters after breaking through to the Sporting first team last season, eventually muscling his way into Portugal’s World Cup squad. Here’s his stats from Brazil 2014:

Carvalho measures in at 6 foot 2, comes with an imposing physique and is famed for his simple-yet-effective style. Here’s a look at the midfielder in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/A8jRQbn1LzE?rel=0

The holding midfielder comes with a £35million release clause, which is almost certainly too rich for Wenger’s blood. But the Portugal international rejected new terms at Estadio Jose Alvalade earlier this month, and resultantly, the Metro believe the Primeira Liga could eventually settle at £24million.

ADRIEN RABIOT

Another, significantly cheaper, holding midfield option known to be on Arsenal’s radar (making it significantly more likely than a bank-breaking bid for William Carvalho) is PSG prodigy Adrien Rabiot:

The 19 year-old, who once spent a season at Manchester City’s academy, is highly-rated in the French capital and amassed 34 appearances in all competitions last season, producing three goals. Here’s a look at his stats from Ligue 1:

And a gander of Rabiot in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/88HpUceQvFo

But the floppy-haired playmaker has continually rejected contract extensions at PSG, citing a lack of assurances over his first team role.

And with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, a January departure is looking increasingly likely – PSG want at least a small return for bringing the teenager to the attention of the European elite.

That includes Arsenal, but in truth, there’s a host of clubs lining up for the France U21’s signature:

PEDRO

Arsenal have already raided Barcelona once this summer with their £35million capture of Alexis Sanchez, but the north London club are reportedly prepared to follow up in January by swooping for former Catalans team-mate Pedro:

As the headline suggests, the two-time Champions League winner remains disillusioned at the Nou Camp after being continually linked with Manchester United and Liverpool throughout last season. He’s yet to play a full ninety minutes under new manager Luis Enrique and is concerned that he’ll be forced into a bit-part role when Luis Suarez returns from his four-month suspension.

The 27 year-old winger-forward has been part of the Nou Camp tapestry for some time; he’s won eight major honours with Barca since his 2008 debut and in that time has amassed 102 goals in just over 300 appearances. Pedro was also part of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, further highlighting his pedigree.

Here’s a look at the Roja star’s Top Ten goals:

//www.youtube.com/embed/YO3qqjzFJxQ?rel=0

A tenacious forward with fantastic stamina and a potent eye for goal, Pedro would certainly be an impressive addition to Arsenal’s forward line.

But Liverpool remain equally keen after coming close to signing the Spaniard in the summer and will be hell-bent on adding Champions League quality to their squad.

PACO ALCACER

Arsenal may have splashed out £16million on Danny Welbeck in the final hours of summer deadline day but their forward line still lacks potency and depth, following an injury to Olivier Giroud that will see him sidelined until the new year at the earliest.

And according to The Express and The Metro, the Gunners are planning to remedy their striking woes with a January swoop for Valencia starlet Paco Alcacer:

The 21 year-old’s stock has continually soared since muscling his way into Los Che’s first team last season, with Vincente del Bosque using the international break to hand him his competitive debut as a Spain senior.

Indeed, Alcacer has been nothing short of potent over the last twelve months, as shown below:

Most appealingly, the 5 foot 11 striker’s contract currently includes a £15million release clause, leading one Spanish publication to dub him ‘the bargain of Europe’.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

But Chelsea have also been strongly linked by the tabloids, whilst The Express claim Valencia are planning a pay-rise that will see Alcacer’s buy-out fee jump up to around £25million.

If Arsenal can convince the Spaniard to delay until January however, they could unearth a real transfer gem. Here’s a look at Alcacer in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/RCKK3deKD2w?rel=0

WINSTON REID

After selling Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona in the summer and with Mathieu Debuchy and Kieran Gibbs both sidelined through injury, Arsenal are a few bodies short in defence.

Thus, by the time the winter window arrives, Arsene Wenger could feel compelled to revive his interest in an old target – West Ham centre-back Winston Reid, who was linked with an Emirates switch last January and on summer deadline day:

The 26 year-old has shown remarkable consistency since the East Londoners returned to the Premier League in 2012, claiming the Hammer of the Year award the twelve months later. Here’s a look at the 6 foot 3 defender in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/vhYZjrgfBsA?rel=0

He was in prominent form at the start of last season before the New Zealand skipper was sidelined with an ankle injury, which prevented Arsenal’s reported interest from materialising into an official offer. Here’s his stats from the campaign:

By no great coincidence, West Ham’s league form plummeted in his absence, and although Reid may be no world beater, he’s a reliable, incredibly athletic centre-back who would fit the natural hierarchy of Arsenal’s squad.

Furthermore, Reid’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and a new deal is looking increasingly unlikely, with negotiations yet to get under way. That could see him arrive at the Emirates for a nominal fee.

The surprise package so far this season has to be West Bromwich Albion. They are currently third, yes third, in the Premier League and enjoying a new lease of life under manager Steve Clarke.

We’ve also seen Everton enjoy an impressive start to the season, as well as newly promoted West Ham sitting comfortably in the top eight.

So are we finally beginning to witness a shift in power in the Premier League? I truly believe the surprise emergence of the above teams might be an early sign that the Premier League’s top four are coming under threat.

We’ve seen Tottenham breaking the top four mould over the past few years, while on the flip-side we have witnessed Liverpool fading into a team that has only really been capable of competing for a top-six finish.

But what about the other clubs who have had to settle for mid table obscurity or the odd relegation battle every other season? Well, a small handful or them are attempting to get themsleves their own little share of the pie and, so far, they appear to be succeeding.

After 13 games in the top-flight, we have already seen some shock results that have upset the balance of the Premier League’s elite. West Brom have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea, drawn at Tottenham and only lost to two late Edin Dzeko goals at home to Manchester City.

Everton have beaten Manchester United and have managed good draws against Newcastle and Liverpool, while even 13th placed Norwich have got themselves in on the act with home wins over Manchester United and Arsenal to go with their vital draws away at Tottenham and Everton.

And even West Ham, in their first season back in the Premier League, have beaten Newcastle away and battled out a goalless draw at home to champions Manchester City.

[post_link url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/is-there-really-such-thing-as-a-flawed-genius-in-football,https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/movember-madness-simply-the-ten-worst-football-taches-of-all-time,https://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/the-20-great-premier-league-mingers-of-all-time-2 =”_blank” type=”list”]

Of course, there are people who will dismiss these as just freak results and will call West Brom’s current third place standing as just a run of good form that will surely come to an end. This may be right but, at this stage in the Premier League last season, there are some surprising differences in where each team people believe they should be, how they were doing at this stage last season and where they are now.

Starting with last season’s final top four, only Manchester United have the exact same points (30) now as they did after 13 games last season. The difference is that last season they were four points adrift of rivals Manchester City at the top of the division compared to now where they are a point clear of City, with Roberto Mancini’s side five points worse off this season with 29.

Arsenal are three points worse off this season but still occupy the same sixth place they did exactly a year ago, while Tottenham were a whopping eight points better off last year than they are today.

On the flip side, let’s look at how this season’s surprise packages in West Brom and Everton and fared against last season’s surprising performers Newcastle.

On the 26th November 2011, West Brom were 13th with 14 points and Everton were eighth with 16 points. Today, the Baggies are third with 26 points and David Moyes’ Toffees are fifth with 21 points. That is a huge improvement in just a single year, and one that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Meanwhile, Alan Pardew’s Newcastle are 12 points and 10 places worse off in the Premier League than this time last year.

Other clubs that are worse off this year are Swansea (-4 points), Liverpool (-6) Aston Villa (-5), QPR (-11) and Norwich (-1), while the improved teams are Wigan (+5), Fulham (+4), Stoke and Sunderland (both +1).

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

With the teams expected to be running away with it ultimately doing worse at this stage than last season and the teams not expected to do much or to struggle exceeding expectations, it looks as if we’re seeing the early signs of a shift in Premier League power.

I am not suggesting the likes of United, City, Arsenal and Chelsea have their title and top four chances under immediate threat, but I do believe the Premier League is becoming a league where teams are more capable of beating anyone than ever before. Despite the amounts of money the elite are spending on players every transfer window, we are still seeing lesser clubs compete against them every week and occasionally getting results. In short, the Premier League seems to be more of a level playing field this season.

This could, of course, be a blip and normal service may well be resumed sooner than we think, but as things stand we can’t turn a blind eye at what we’ve seen so far this season.

So, do you think we are beginning to witness what could be a shift in power in the Premier League? Or are West Brom, Everton and West Ham merely over performing? Leave your thoughts below.

As reported by MailOnline, Stoke City have matched Middlesborough’s £5m bid for Sunderland utility player Paddy McNair.

Newly-appointed Stoke manager Gary Rowett has set about revamping the Potters side, securing the signing of Benik Afobe from Wolves as well as Peter Etebo from Portuguese side Feirense.

Stoke fans have been impressed with the speed in which Rowett is overhauling his playing squad, the latest addition set to be Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair.

McNair was a bright spark in a season which saw Sunderland relegated to League One, scoring four goals in the last five games of the season, and emerged from a campaign to forget with his reputation largely unscathed.

McNair can play in both defence and midfield, and would represent an astute signing. But many Stoke fans are not convinced by the player, yet others seem to be cautiously optimistic about the player.

[ad_pod ]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the reports…

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255567″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Five England results that highlight Panama’s threat”]

Arsenal were destroyed in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday, failing to compete with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and missing out on the opportunity to win major silverware.

The trophy is Guardiola’s first since becoming City boss and they deserved every bit of their victory, barely giving Arsenal a sniff across the 90 minutes, netting three goals without reply.

There were many faults with the Gunners’ performance, not least their efforts in attack. New signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked isolate from his midfield teammates, failing to combine with the likes of Mesut Ozil.

[ad_pod ]

The one chance that did fall the former Borussia Dortmund man’s way was fluffed, disappointing fans who are expecting more from a striker reported to be earning £180,000-a-week.

It’s still early days in his Arsenal career of course but fans will be hoping he can turn up for big games in the future.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

Mikel Arteta’s injury suffered in the away trip to Besiktas on Tuesday night highlighted an urgency for Arsene Wenger to invest in his squad in these final days of the transfer window. If Arsenal lacked quality prior to the Spaniard’s injury, that situation has now become critical, with Arteta limping out of the Ataturk Stadium in a protective boot.

But that need to invest in the midfield is equally as important at centre-back. Calum Chambers was by far Arsenal’s best player in Turkey in midweek, playing alongside Laurent Koscielny at centre-back in the absence of Per Mertesacker. But having seen just over twenty Premier League games prior to this season, and all at right-back, now isn’t the time for Wenger to place all his faith in a 19-year-old.

Even ahead of Thomas Vermaelen’s sale to Barcelona, Arsenal were short of quality at centre-back. What is even more alarming is that there is little to nothing in the way of adequate cover coming up through the academy. Arsenal’s centre-back options last season were very much limited to Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, and Bacary Sagna. As of now, that situation hasn’t improved, with the latter two departing and only Chambers arriving from Southampton.

The positive is that the club do appear to be on the hunt for another centre-back this summer. Kostas Manolas has been strongly suggested as the next defensive recruit at the Emirates, but Winston Reid’s name has also been thrown into the mix.

The West Ham centre-back was part of an at times good defensive unit last season, and Arsenal are said to be looking to take advantage of Reid’s current contract situation, with his deal running out at the end of the season.

The only drawback is Reid’s inexperience in European football, but with Mertesacker and Koscielny the first-choice pairing, much of Reid’s contribution is expected to be in domestic play. He’s aggressive, will do a lot to combat the physicality of opponents, and is unlikely to kick up too much of a fuss with regards to being third or fourth choice at the club.

In comparison to Manolas, it’s easy to see why fans would deem the Greek international an attractive option. He stood out as one of the better performers for his country at the World Cup, and has experience at the highest level of club football with Olympiakos. Moreover, at 23, he’s exactly what Arsenal need as a means to see their central defensive unit get younger. With Mertesacker turning 30 in September, Manolas would offer something long term if he were to fulfil his potential at the club. Chambers, even at this early stage, looks certain to feature heavily for the club at centre-back in the coming years.

But Arsenal are reportedly not the lone runners in the race for Manolas, with interest coming from Italy too. Even with the financial might available to Wenger, it’s likely he’ll still refrain from entering into a bidding war, especially if he feels another option is available elsewhere.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Reid’s Premier League experience and leadership qualities would make him a good addition at Arsenal. It’s always been a case of adding depth, rather than identifying a starting centre-back. Reid should come relatively cheap, with plenty of resources left to be invested in the problem position of defensive midfield.

[ad_pod id=’fr2rumours’ align=’center’]

When it comes to the notion of booing on a matchday, it feels somewhat dangerous to attempt to pontificate to others, whether engaging in such a vocal act at matches is either right or wrong.

After all, football isn’t some tangible element that we can all sit back and view objectively. If we did, in all likeliness, we simply wouldn’t be sitting down here and having the discussion that we are at the moment. All the supporters who pay to get through the turnstiles, have the right to cast opinion upon what they’ve paid to see. That much is simply undeniable.

However, the clue in the above passage comes in the term ‘supporter’.

In some circles, the Premier League has often been denoted as a medium of entertainment. And the economic realities do, to some extent, give that notion a touch of gravitas. We are living in an environment in which for many teams in this league, the coffers are boosted more by television deals than they are by fans coming through the gates.

But as illogical as it may seem, going to support your club on a matchday is a form of entertainment in only the most superficial of terms. For when you visit the cinema, go to the theatre, buy a new computer game, you are expecting to be entertained.

You’re shelling out money for a product or a medium that doesn’t require your input for it to do its job properly. If it’s good, you applaud. If it’s bad, you show your disapproval or in some cases, kick off. If you slam a film with a bad review or tell a mate to steer away from a new release on the Xbox, there is no aftermath. It’s not your problem if the director or developer doesn’t agree with you. What would they care, anyway?

The key difference here though, is that your input does make a difference, when you’re immersed in the footballing world of entertainment. That’s perhaps something of an understatement.

[post_link url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/could-andre-villas-boas-grand-euro-designs-prove-toxic,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/an-american-marriage-of-convenience-at-tottenham,https://www.footballfancast.com/premiership/tottenham/these-criticisms-of-andre-villas-boas-dont-add-up” target=”_blank” type=”tower”]

As Jock Stein once uttered, “Football without the fans, is nothing.” The fans are the lifeblood of the club and the home crowd is its beating heart. Paying for your ticket – an increasingly chastising payment at that – does of course represent financial support and no one is denying that the fee paid, entitles supporters to whatever opinion they choose. But financially contributing to the club does not supersede all other aspects. It’s part of the whole package.

Supporting a club doesn’t just cease as soon as you’ve had your ticket clipped. In some ways, it signals the start of the process, the beginning of the matchday journey. The fans catalyse the players. Cheering, chanting, shouting and doing everything you can to get behind your team isn’t some optional extra on a matchday. It’s not some bizarre urban myth. It’s part and parcel of being supporter.

This isn’t some blinkered, romanticised call to arms to the masses, either. The counter-argument is of course, that the players need to inspire the fans. Of course they do, but it is the role of supporters, first and foremost, to support. If you feel after a sustained period of effort, where you have given your absolute all and every ounce of unwavering support and faith in the stands, that the players are taking both you and the club for granted, then, maybe just then, you begin hitting booing criteria.

But how about when your team are sitting joint fourth in the Barclays Premier League after ten games played, yet lose 1-0 at home in the midst of what is a debilitating injury crisis? Are you allowed to boo then? Have the players and manager well and truly taken the mickey? Not in a month of Sundays. And at White Hart Lane last Saturday, we saw a world-class exhibition of fandom, as opposed to support. And there is a massive difference between the two.

No one who witnessed the performance dished up by Andre Villas-Boas’ side could possibly make a case to defend what we all saw. It was desperately poor. But had this came in mid-February after a half-season of ubiquitous support in which the players had stopped playing, stop trying and stopped giving a monkeys, then you’ve got a right to start kicking off.

But it hasn’t been ubiquitous at all. In fact, you can trace the boos and moans of disapproval all the way back to the West Bromwich Albion game; Spurs’ first home fixture of the season.

Things aren’t quite clicking in N17 at the moment. Spurs’ progress this season – one that is by all accounts a term of transition – has been dogged by injury and a flawed summer of player recruitment. Both the manager and the players have made mistakes. But we are ten games in. Tottenham are behind fourth placed Everton on goal difference only. If someone would like to suggest how breeding an atmosphere of booing, hissing and overwhelming negativity is in any way going to do anything but detriment this side’s progress, please drop me a line on Twitter or in the comment box.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Football is an emotive sport and at the moment, Tottenham Hotspur are evoking frustration as the side look to devise a formula to really get their home form up off the ground. Spurs fans have traditionally always demanded a high level of football from their side. But they’ve also traditionally offered a fertile habitat of unwavering support to offer their side the best possible chance to succeed.

Maybe it’s been that long since a change of manager at White Hart Lane, that they’ve simply forgot to roll out the welcome mat. But since day one at home under Villas-Boas, that backbone of vocal support just hasn’t been there. It’s time for that to change. They say you get out what you put in – it’s time to turn White Hart Lane back into the fortress that it once was and rally behind this side, however frustrating things may seem.

To boo or not to boo? Where do you stand on this argument? Join me on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and tell me how you feel about things at White Hart Lane. 

[ad_pod id=’tv’ align=’center’]

West Ham are reportedly close to completing a deal for 21 year-old defender Issa Diop, and fans are absolutely loving the news.

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are closing in on a £22m deal for Diop, who captains the France U23 side.

The towering defender has been pursued by Monaco, Marseille, Red Bull Leipzig and Sevilla, but the Sky report claims the race is all but over, as the Hammers have “agreed a deal in principle” with his club Toulouse.

Diop is only 21, but made 37 appearances for the French club last season, and is one of the most highly sought after young defenders in Europe.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255574″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Four World Cup myths debunked”]

He scored three times last season, and boasts some impressive defensive statistics, averaging over two interceptions and nearly four clearances per game.

The 6 ft 3 youngster is good with the ball for such a colossal defender, and should help Manuel Pellegrini bring a new brand of football to the London Stadium.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Alfie Mawson is another name that’s been linked with the Hammers, and fans are loving the prospect of also adding the Swansea man to make a young, powerful duo.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Newcastle travel to the south coast tomorrow knowing that they are only two points off the relegation zone, and facing a Bournemouth side who are on something of a hot streak at the moment – having gone seven games unbeaten prior to losing to Huddersfield 12 days ago.

The Magpies will be looking to build on their heroic 1-0 victory over Manchester United before the FA Cup break, but will be daunted by the fact that they haven’t won back-to-back games since September.

Newcastle will be hoping that Ciaran Clark’s knee will be ready to take to the pitch tomorrow, while Bournemouth will be waiting to find out whether Jermaine Defoe will return from a foot injury.

Here is what our writers think will happen at the Vitality Stadium tomorrow…

Christy Malyan

A score draw. Bournemouth always seem to do well against the sides near or below them in the table lack the defensive quality to resist their flowing football and I think Newcastle will struggle at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.

That being said, Rafa Benitez’s side need to pick up points more than the Cherries and there’s a new sense of optimism surrounding Newcastle following their late January business. Bournemouth will control the game but Newcastle will get a goal and hold tight. 1-1.

[ad_pod ]

Chris McMullan

Draw. Bournemouth will probably be safe, but they still need to keep their points tally ticking over. Newcastle, however are only two points above the relegation places and are in need of points. Given anyone can beat anyone else outside of the top six, this could go either way, but on the basis that both teams would take a point, shared spoils is my prediction.

Charlie Coe

Newcastle win. The Magpies need this win badly given the narrow gap between them and the drop, and with Ciaran Clark looking like he may make it into the starting XI in his return from injury, it looks like the Tyneside club will be as defensively rigid as they were in their victory over Manchester United two weeks ago.

We’re now midway through the summer and the World Cup is over, so attention can officially switch to the new Premier League season! The transfer window, like or loathe it, brings excitement and opportunity, which teams across the division are sure to exploit in search of all important upgrades.

From big money signings, to clever under the radar arrivals, there are many ways to take advantage of the situation, and there are some clubs that will need to make more use of it than others.

Here are five outfits we at FFC believe will be looking for much-needed upgrades in the coming weeks.

[ffc-gallery]

Click on Arsenal to reveal

[/ffc-gallery]

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Tottenham

Although they ended the season in sixth, hopes were much higher at White Hart Lane heading into last season. Okay Gareth Bale had been sold, but with £110m having been spent on talent from across Europe, there was a genuine belief in the white half of north London that the top four and maybe even a trophy was possible.

However, managerial disruption and arrivals failing to settle saw the Lilywhites’ campaign end in disappointment, which was amplified by massive defeats at the hands of top four clubs and Liverpool – dubbed as direct rivals for a Champions League spot – taking the title battle to the final day.

Pochettino has been brought in as an upgrade to the much-maligned Sherwood, and there is a lot of talk of new signings heading to ‘The Lane’. Bony or Lukaku would be a cut above Soldado up top, while Davies of Swansea is seen as an upgrade on Rose at left-back.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Manchester United

The Moyes reign ended in an absolute farce, with the Scot seemingly dismissed via Internet rumours as he barely touched the sides of Sir Alex Ferguson’s large boots at Manchester United.

Signings are already through the door at Old Trafford in the shape of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, who should be able to provide the upgrades needed in their respective roles.

Vidal, Hummels and di Maria are said to be the next targets, which would certainly hint at a better season at the Theatre of Dreams for 2014/15 and maybe even a title push.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Arsenal

Arsenal did what Arsenal do last season, started well with a title push before slipping away to a fourth place battle… which they won. As well as this they ended a nine-year trophy drought with the FA Cup, but there is still a feeling that a few upgrades could be the key to better times.

Sanchez is through the door and looks to be the real deal, while Debuchy will fill the Sagna-shaped hole at right-back, however there are more upgrades needed, chiefly in central midfield, where Arteta’s best days are behind him. Bender of Leverkusen is being talked about, but the ultimate upgrade would be Vidal, who could be the man Arsenal have missed since Vieira’s exit.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

West Ham

West Ham were pretty difficult to watch last season. Allardyce’s brand of direct football may always be enough to ensure safety, but the Irons’ fans are beginning to dream of more after watching the likes of Swansea make inroads at the upper end of the Premier League in recent years.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Zarate should add more flair but to play better football, many new players will be needed across the pitch. Upgrades on the likes of Nolan, Jarvis and Downing would almost guarantee that Carroll gets the service he needs, with the big man boasting a proven record of scoring goals with both his head and his feet.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

Swansea City

The burden of Europa League football was a big one for Swansea last season, as they slipped from upper mid-table to relegation fodder. The Swans play attractive football, but sometimes a soft underbelly can be exploited by more savvy sides, which could be addressed with a few upgrades.

A new midfielder and a top class partner for Williams at the back – Chico can be a liability – would bulk out the core, while a fresh winger with a little more end product could help to maximise Bony’s output.

[ad_pod id=’lynx’ align=’center’]

have suffered an injury blow with the news that Lukasz Fabianski could face another three months on the sidelines, according to The Daily Mail.

The Polish stopper has been unavailable for the north London club since February due to a shoulder injury, but it is thought that the stopper went over on an ankle in training on Tuesday.

This could well keep the stopper out of action until the new year, with initial reports stating that Fabianski could be unavailable for as long as three weeks.

First-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is still on the sidelines also with injury, as an ankle knock has kept him out of consideration for the Gunners over recent weeks.

It is believed that Szczesny is still at least three weeks off making a return, with rehabilitation ongoing on his injured ankle.

In the meantime young Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone has been deputising between the sticks for Arsene Wenger’s men, but the inexperienced stopper has shown some nerves whilst playing in big games in the Premier League and Champions League.

Arsenal have a frantic fixture list upcoming over the next month, with Norwich, Schalke, Tottenham and Fulham are ready to take advantage of any weakness in the north London club’s backline.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the moment the only other options for Arsenal in goal are Damian Martinez and James Shea, who have yet to make a first-team appearance for the Emirates Stadium side, and Wenger would prefer to continue to assess the pair rather than throw one of them into the dead end.

By Gareth McKnight