As we are now safe may as well start thinking of next season and what we need to do.
No.1 Priority: Keep Rafa
I know there are a few out there who don't agree with this one, but I think our biggest hope of improving and moving forward is under Rafa, If Ashley has no intention of leaving before the summer and wants to try keep what little belief fans have in as an owner (I know it's not a lot
) , then he needs to convince Rafa to sign a new contract.No.2 Priority : Sign Rondon permanently
This one may be linked with Priority 1, If Rafa is to stay then I think his big want will be to keep Rondon or if he can't then bring in a suitable replacement. Again I know this may be another which a few on here may not agree him 100% but I think he's key to how we play.
No.3 Priority: Keep hold of Ayoze Perez or replace him with better
Once again one many won't agree with, but if there is any player who has improved under Rafa then Perez would be my pick, He has formed a brilliant partnership with Rondon and Almiron. I know he has his doubters but he is one of best players and I think Rafa will want to keep him unless we receive a massive offer for him and can find a suitable replacement (I hear Thorgan Hazard may be available
)No.4 Priority: Improve Wing backs
Seems we seem settled in the 3-4-2-1 / 5-4-1 formation I think we need to look for an improvement on both sides.
Yedlin has his good moments but defensively he can be a liability and Manquillo was cheap option and has showed that at times though I still think he gets a bit of unwarranted stick. Ritchie is getting close to 30 and isn't actually a wing back but has fit in the place shows that left wing back is a one we really need to fill, Antonio Barreca may get his chance in the next 3 games but I doubt he'll be made permanent I think worryingly I haven't seen or heard of any left hand sided players linked with us.
No.5 Priority: Centre Midfield
Hayden will go in the summer as will Diame due to his age and contract situation, meaning at least another two centre mids are needed to replace them. Again I haven't seen any rumours that I'd believe are true, Patrick Erras from Nurnburg is the one I've heard more positive talk of, I have also heard of an interest in Iver Fossum from Hannover.
No.6 Priority: Wingers and Forward
I'd already alluded to this under the Perez priority and it probably should have been combined with that but with Kenedy obviously not been made permanent and going back to Chelsea with his tail between his legs after not living up to first 6 months with us. Almiron is obviously our number 1 left winger, that Atsu is our go to from the bench says a lot (even though again I think Atsu gets a lot of unwarranted criticism) we need some decent cover for both wings. I have heard Ristu Doan linked which I think would be good, as he can cover both sides and it be good for Yoshi to have a friend. I'm not 100% sure on his contract situation (I think he is out of contact but has an option to extend) but I'd be looking at Andres Pereira from United as he can cover a number of positions along the final third perhaps a loan with an option.
Talking of Yoshinoro Muto he'll need to kick on next season, If we can rid ourselves of Joselu then we'll need someone in to replace him again I have seen nothing concrete linked.
