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What next for the big four?

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 24/05/2010
Football betting

Another Premier League season is over and the traditional big four of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool certainly had mixed fortunes.

The summer transfer window is about to open so where should the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti and possibly Rafael Benitez focus their attention during the off-season?

Chelsea

By virtue of winning a Premier League and FA Cup Double this season, Ancelotti has the easiest job on his hands this summer.

The Italian coach has already suggested that a number of promising reserve talents will be promoted to the first team next season as direct replacements for 'four or five' veteran players.

Ancelotti could let the likes of out-of-contract stars Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti and Deco move on as they are in the twilight of their careers.

But despite the suggestion that he will give youth a chance, don't be surprised to see Ancelotti make one or two marquee signings.

A player of the calibre of Kaka or Fernando Torres could well be brought in to keep an ageing, yet online betting title favourite squad on its toes.

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Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has already suggested that United won't be overly busy this summer despite relinquishing the Premier League title to Chelsea.

Fulham youngster Chris Smalling and Mexico starlet Javier Hernandez will join the Red Devils as Ferguson looks to the future.

However, the present isn't so rosy for the veteran boss as his squad looked woefully short up front this season following the double departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

At least one new striker must surely arrive this summer with reports linking Real Madrid's France international Karim Benzema to Old Trafford.

Arsenal

With Cesc Fabregas set to leave Arsenal and rejoin Barcelona, this is likely to be a summer of major upheaval at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger was already looking at a shopping list which included a new goalkeeper, at least one new central defender and a striker to ease the burden on Robin van Persie.

The Gunners could raise £50million from the sale of their skipper and the Frenchman must reinvest every penny and more in the north London club are to keep on the coat-tails of Chelsea and United.

Barca's Yaya Toure, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh and Mikel Arteta from Everton would be just the tip of the iceberg.

Liverpool

It could be matter of retaining players rather than splashing out for new ones for whoever is in charge at Anfield this summer.

Rafael Benitez could be on his way out of Merseyside following a disastrous season and the vultures are beginning to circle over prize assets Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

It's unlikely that any major players will be signed by the Reds while the club remains up for sale by cash-strapped American owners.

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