We
asked Soccer Saturday experts Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier and Charlie
Nicholas what Arsenal, Liverpool and the Manchester clubs should do this
summer and also what they shouldn't do...
MANCHESTER CITY
MATT LE TISSIER - DON'T sack the manager, but DO blood some youth.
“I don’t like to see managers getting changed too often, especially one
that’s won a league title. I think we need to cut Manuel Pellegrini a little
bit of slack for one poor season. So the first thing they need to do is back
their manager.
“Saying that, I think City’s job of closing the gap to Chelsea is probably a
bigger job than Manchester United’s is. They do need an overhaul of the
squad, but that doesn’t mean that they need a new manager to do it.
“They need some younger blood in the squad – it’s aging a bit. They’ve
invested a lot in their youth system, so maybe it’s time they gave their
youngsters an opportunity in the first team, because going out and buying
the best young players in the world defeats the purpose of the academy.”
Sky Bet odds: Man City to be Jurgen Klopp’s next job – 6/4
ARSENAL
CHARLIE NICHOLAS - DON'T sell Walcott, but DO sign Schneiderlin
“Arsenal have already closed the gap this season and you could see in the
0-0 draw between them the other week that Chelsea now have respect for them
– they know they’re a good side and they’re getting closer.
“I’m only really concerned about two positions – a strong, holding midfield
player like Morgan Schneiderlin is needed, plus a big-time goalkeeper. If a
top-class goalkeeper becomes available, such as Petr Cech or Iker Casillas,
they have to take it, because that experience would be enormous.
“I don’t think Wenger particularly wants or needs a new striker – we can win
the league with Olivier Giroud. But if we are to get one in, rather than go
for a big name, I’d like to see us target Luciano Vietto, the young
Argentinian lad at Villarreal.
“He’s an Arsenal type of player – he’s all about good movement, but his
touch is good too and I think we could get him at a good price. He might
need a bit of time to adapt, but he’s got so much potential. We also need to
re-sign Theo Walcott and keep him happy.”
Sky Bet odds: Arsenal to sign Schneiderlin this summer – 4/5
MANCHESTER UNITED
MATT LE TISSIER - DON'T replace Di Maria with Bale, but DO sign a
right-back
“United need a bit of patience – there’s been talk of selling Angel Di Maria
and getting Gareth Bale in, but I’d like Di Maria to be given more time.
He’s only had one season and I don’t think people should be so quick to
judge him on that, some players just take a little longer to adapt than
others and maybe we’ll see the best of him next season.
“United should instead look about getting a top quality right-back and a
top-drawer centre midfielder. I’d expect there to be two or three more
additions, but I don’t think it’ll be as big a scale as last summer.
“They’ll possibly look about getting in one more major forward – I’m not
convinced Radamel Falcao is the answer to the problems in front of goal that
they’ve been having of late, and Robin van Persie doesn’t seem to have much
left in the tank either.”
Sky Bet odds: Di Maria to stay at United beyond the next deadline – 1/2
LIVERPOOL
PHIL THOMPSON - DON'T focus on youth, but DO look at Higuain and
Benteke
“Liverpool’s transfer strategy has to be different this summer. For too long
the focus has been on youth – some signings have worked, some haven’t – but
now the club must focus on getting experienced players in.
“It’s a massive window for the club and everyone will be watching who we’ll
bring in, so there will be pressure to get it right. Strikers are a priority
– Liverpool can’t afford another season without a fit, prolific strikeforce.
“I’ve been banging the drum for Gonzalo Higuain to come in for some time –
he’s a really good, experienced international striker, but I wouldn’t say no
to the likes of Christian Benteke, who has proved himself in the Premier
League.”
Sky Bet odds: Liverpool to sign Higuain this summer – 3/1
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