Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and West Ham feature.
Rarely is a transfer window unimportant for any club, but for some teams this coming summer matters more than most.
Here is a look at five teams who need to absolutely nail it this summer in order to achieve their goals in 2016/17…
Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
The fact there is no St Totteringham’s Day this year is the least of Arsenal’s problems, but it sums them up neatly. They have been overtaken by their rivals, and might even miss out on Champions League football for the first time under Arsene Wenger.
Whether the Frenchman stays or goes, this squad needs winners. Arsene Wenger can only succeed if he gets backing, while any replacement will need serious funds to bring in his own players.
If Arsenal don’t get it right this summer, then more of the same awaits with their rivals likely to get stronger.
Everton
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates
The gauntlet has been laid down to Everton by their own player, Romelu Lukaku, who demanded the club show their ambition in the transfer market.
The stakes are high because if they do not, the Belgian striker has made clear he will be pushing for a move himself.
If Lukaku is sold, Everton have their work cut out signing a replacement just to stand still. The Toffees are making smart moves off the pitch but this is a huge summer if they are to take the next step and challenge for the Champions League places next season.
Newcastle United
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley (R) in the stands with Managing Director Lee Charnley
It’s put up time for Mike Ashley if he wants Newcastle to capitalise on the momentum Rafa Benitez has built up by winning promotion.
They did so with Ashley controversially deciding not to spend a penny in January, and the pay off could be extra money available this summer.
To be fair to the owner he invested well back in the summer of 2015, the problem was it was Steve McClaren spending the cash. This time there is a better chance of success, but with Newcastle you never quite know what is around the corner.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko on the bench
With better signings last summer Tottenham Hotspur might just be top of the table now, instead of sitting four points behind Chelsea.
Spurs spent £50 million combined to sign Moussa Sissoko, Georges Kevin N’Koudou and Vincent Janssen, who have all contributed pretty much zilch. Imagine if that money had been spent on real game changers.
This summer is a chance for Tottenham to finally get it right and bring in players who can help Spurs take the next step, instead of turning into perennial nearly men.
West Ham
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza looks dejected
Few clubs suffered humiliation in the transfer market last summer like West Ham.
After promising big names like Alexandre Lacazette and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the club owners ended up settling for Simone Zaza.
A successful transfer window depends on two things. Good quality players brought in, and radio silence from Gold and Sullivan and their associates in the media. Mission impossible?
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