One player each Premier League team should sign this summer
The Premier League is over and transfer season is upon us, so here’s one player each top flight team should sign this summer.
Each Premier League team is taking a long look at itself now the season is over. Some, like Tottenham, exceeded expectations. Others failed to live up to their grandiose designs, like Manchester United. And Leicester seemed to lose whatever “Like Mike” special shoes they were using when they claimed the title last year.
Every team, no matter where they finished, needs to make improvements if they want to stay competitive next year. Every team in the Premier League has to be like mako sharks: keep moving or die.
It’s also worth noting that no English sides made it to the Champions League final for the fifth year in a row. So all sides, even league winners Chelsea, have to improve if an English club is going to succeed in Europe again.
The quickest way to improve a team, is through player acquisition. So we’re going to look at one player each team should sign as they look to build for next season. Keep in mind we’re trying to be realistic here, and take into account both budgetary restrictions and whether or not the player in question would consider the move.
Arsenal: Antonio Sanabria
Arsenal had a disappointing season, despite not being much worse than they were last year. They bowed out of the Champions League early and finished the Premier League season in the top four. This had much to do with a poor defense, which allowed more goals than any team in the top six.
But the most obvious area for improvement is up front, where Real Betis forward Antonio Sanabria could make a big difference.
Arsenal’s main playmaker, Mesut Ozil, is not contributing like he used to. After leading the league in assists last year, he doesn’t even lead Arsenal anymore. Olivier Giroud, the team’s secondary striker, seems past his prime. Also, he’s been linked with a possible transfer to Marseille.
Alexis Sanchez, if he’s even around next year, will need more help up front. He’s already carrying the bulk of the offensive load and led the team in both assists and goals this season.
Sanabria would provide Arsenal with another dynamic option. He’s physical and a a natural finisher. Sanabria is what Arsenal need to take back their position as London’s top team.
Along with his physical skills, he isn’t cowed by playing against big names. He’s been playing in a division with the two biggest names in the sport. Not once has he looked afraid, and seems to welcome the challenge when it comes. His brand of swagger would be useful to a team that lacks much of a competitive spark at the moment.
The Paraguayan striker is an unproven commodity but an acceptable risk. At 21 years old, he’d be a productive addition to a stagnant squad.