As the end of this fairytale season comes to an end, we look toward the summer and consider how each team can improve ahead of next season.
Some of these teams, unfortunately, will be playing their football in the Championship next year, whereas others will need to improve if they’re to replicate the Leicester’s incredible success story.
Some teams need to improve their defence after conceding too many easy goals, others will need to focus on strengthening their midfield while some have endured a terrible campaign in front of goal and need to improve quickly before the beginning of the 16-17 season.
Regardless of whether these signing do in fact happen, next season promises to be just as thrilling and exciting as this one. So let’s take a look at who each team should be targeting in the summer transfer window…
Arsenal – Robert Lewandowski
It has been said for the past few years, but it is still a major problem for the red half of North London – Arsenal need a striker!
Wenger has to realise that his side is just not clinical enough to compete with England’s top sides. Arsenal could be looking to sign the Polish striker in the summer for £50million.
It may sound unrealistic, but the Gunners have to improve up front and Lewandowski is known to be very good friends with Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny…
Aston Villa – Ross McCormack
Aston Villa had the most utterly miserable campaign imaginable.
Relegated in April and having scored just 27 goals all season, it is no wonder they are linked with prolific Championship striker Ross McCormack.
The young forward has scored 61 goals in the last three seasons, and he could be on his way to Villa Park this summer.
Bournemouth – Steven Caulker
Bournemouth have had a very solid first season in the Premier League, Eddie Howe’s men must be concerned with the fact that they have conceded the 3rd most goals in the league.
The Cherries have old defenders in their ranks but still need strengthening at the back – and Caulker would be an ideal, realistic replacement at Dean Court.
He was linked with a move to Bournemouth in January but opted to join Liverpool instead, where has has played only a handful of games.
Bournemouth could be a perfect place for Caulker to show his quality and gain some experience.
Chelsea – Rafael Varane
With club legend John Terry leaving stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea must replace their star centre back.
The Blues need to improve in a variety of areas, but young centre-back Rafael Varane from Real Madrid would be a great buy.
Varane is behind both Pepe and Sergio Ramos in the Real Madrid pecking order, so who knows? Perhaps Varane could be a Blue in London in the near future…
Crystal Palace – Saido Berahino
Crystal Palace could have had an incredible season. The side sat in 6th place at the turn of the year but have ended near the relegation zone.
Even though Pardew’s men have an FA Cup final to look forward to, Palace need to improve in front of goal. A strike force boasting Arsenal reject Marouane Chamakh and 32-year-old Emmanuel Adebayor is far from threatening.
Palace should look to young and enthusiastic striker Saido Berahino and take a gamble, he could be the difference at Selhurst Park next year.
Everton – Andriy Yarmolenko
Everton’s season could have been so different. Barkley and Lukaku are far too good to be playing for a team in and out of the top half, although Everton themselves are too good to be fighting to stay in the top half.
The Toffees have been linked with 26-year-old Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko for a fee in the region of £20million, and what a difference the clinical finisher could be for Roberto Martinez’s team next season…
Leicester City – Ousmane Dembele
The biggest fairytale in football history has become a reality and Leicester City are Premier League champions.
Of course, after this fantastic season, it is hard for me to pick a position where the side can strengthen so, assuming Ranieri can keep hold of his key men like Mahrez, Vardy and Kante, I think Leicester should look to the future.
And 18-year-old striker Ousmane Dembele may be a perfect fit at the King Power Stadium. He has a pretty good record too, averaging a goal every other game for Rennes this season.
Liverpool – Marco Reus
Jurgen Klopp knows Marco Reus very well and Liverpool fans will be hoping that this will be a key factor in persuading the German to come to Anfield this summer.
Reus would be a perfect fit at Liverpool and has great connections with the club. The Germany international could lift Liverpool into the Champions League positions as the league looks to become more and more competitive next term…
Manchester City – Ilkay Gundogan
City have all the money that they could possibly want but I doubt that this will be a factor for Gundogan.
The German midfielder is a born winner and is surely ready to replace Yaya Tour in City’s midfield, David Silva is also in his 30s and Guardiola will want a strong, attack-minded midfielder to boost his team’s chances of winning back their Premier League title.
Manchester United – Saul Niguez
With young strikers like Rashford and Martial playing so well, United don’t need to focus on their attack this summer.
However, their midfield has been dismal at times and young midfielder Saul Niguez could be the ideal man to shape up the midfield at Old Trafford.
His goal against Bayern Munich has helped Saul make a name for himself and Europe’s elite will be looking to snap him up. He could be costly for United but considering Fellaini, Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger have played the way they have this year, it may be necessary.
Newcastle United – Michy Batshuayi
Newcastle will be hoping to be playing Premier League football next season.
Mitrovic and co. have not been great in front of goal and although experienced manager Rafa Benitez is now in charge, the Magpies still need to improve in order to maintain their place in the top tier.
My advice would be to sign Michy Batshuayi, who has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs ahead of the summer. The young Marseille striker is a talented finisher and would be a great asset to the St James’ Park cause.
Norwich City – Serge Gnabry
Serge Gnabry, like Norwich, has struggled in the Premier League this season. Norwich look to be heading down to the Championship but young and exciting winger Gnabry would be a perfect fit at Carrow Road.
Gnabry would bring skill, speed and agility to a Norwich outfit currently lacking a real star. Alex Neil should definitely consider taking Gnabry off Arsene Wenger’s hands, at least on loan, this summer.
Southampton – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has had a difficult season with the Gunners.
The midfielder has always looked so promising but never managed to breakthrough and become a regular starter at the Emirates – mostly due to injuries a series of poor performances.
A spell back at St. Mary’s could revitalise The Ox’s career and potentially help give Ronald Koeman’s men an extra bit of quality that is needed to improve next season.
Sunderland – Chris Martin
Sunderland could potentially stay up this season but if the Black Cats do slip in to the Championship, who better to partner Jermaine Defoe up front than established Championship striker Chris Martin.
The 27-year-old has scored 15 goals for Derby County this season and could be a great player for Sam Allardyce’s team.
Swansea – Christian Benteke
Swansea have been shy in front of goal this season and definitely need to sharpen up their finishing next term.
Christian Benteke could be an ideal striker for the Swans after struggling at Anfield, and could potentially be bought at a bargain price this summer.
Regardless of his performances for Liverpool, the Belgium international is definitely capable of at least 15-20 goals per season.
Tottenham – Mario Mandzukic
This one may come as a surprise. Spurs have such an excellent season, and I really can’t see how they can improve too much!
Pochettino ideally needs to buy a back up striker for Harry Kane and Mario Mandzukic would be perfect. The 29-year-old Croatian has a great goalscoring record and would be a great option for Spurs if they needed him.
A striker of his calibre will want to play Champions League football, which Spurs have now secured.
Watford – Sofiane Feghouli
Sofiane Feghouli is out of contract this summer and would be a great player for Watford.
The tricky winger would lighten up Vicarage Road and change the dynamic of Watford’s style of play. It may be difficult to attract Feghouli to Watford as he is almost at the peak of his career and could potentially play for the world’s biggest clubs.
But it’s definitely worth a try…
West Brom – Ahmed Elmohamady
Ahmed Elmohamady has plenty of Premier League experience to date and surely wants to play in the world’s best league once again.
Of course, this is possible if Hull are to be promoted through the play-offs but West Brom could be an easier route for the Egyptian.
Elmohamady is a talented midfielder and would offer goals and assists to the Baggies if they were to sign him.
West Ham United – Wilfried Bony
Wilried Bony has not been very impressive at the Etihad since joining from Swansea.
Man City would surely be willing to let the Ivorian go this summer and West Ham would definitely want to snap him up. Bony is not just a proven goalscorer, but a quick, energetic and lively striker who also assists plenty of goals.
Bony may be attracted to join Bilic’s men at the new Olympic Stadium and he would definitely add some quality to a Hammers side that is already playing far better than their fans would have expected this season.