After more late season failings when the pressure is on, it is clear to see we need to invest wisely in the summer. Don’t need to panic buy and spend big money on a single player, just spend well and improve in the positions we need to improve on, and give the team the balance they have lacked this season. Let’s start with the outs list:

Mikael Silvestre – Has done decently enough for a year, and I am sure has passed on his experience. But if we want to go places and have good defensive cover, then he will have to go. Gives opponents far too much time.

William Gallas – Our best defender, but that is not what it is all about. Has had big fallouts with the rest of our squad, and we need to address the balance of our back four by getting a dominant, commanding CB. Which would mean selling Toure or Gallas, as neither would be content at being just a cover, and I would rather us let Gallas go.

Abou Diaby – When we signed him in January 2006, he looked like the new Vieira in several ways. He was big, powerful, won tackles and was a driving force in midfield. However after that horrific injury at the hands of Dan Smith, he just hasn’t been the same, and I don’t think has progressed at all. Just not good enough anymore in my opinion, and his place in the team should be given to a better player.

Philippe Senderos – Once a quality young CB. Can still do a good job when given a run of games, but is a disaster as just cover to play the odd game. Has confidence issues, struggles against any pacy or strong striker, and worst of all switches off in key moments, in vital matches. I am sure will be very good for a lesser team, but not Arsenal quality.

Armand Traore – Not necessarily against keeping him, just can’t see how he is going to get in the team? He is poor defensively, and is now behind Gibbs in the pecking order. Is he going to get in at LM ahead of Nasri, Arshavin, Vela, Rosicky or Walcott? Answer is no, and I think it would be better for both parties if we cash in on him.

Emmanuel Adebayor – Top quality striker, no matter what people say. I have stood by him, but I feel let down by him. His work-rate has been terrible, he shows no emotion on the pitch, and I really do think his head has been turned by the big money and his commitment has been poor. If he is not 100% committed, as I suspect he isn’t he should go.

And now for the replacements:

Sebastien Bassong – Replacement for Silvestre, will give great cover for defence and is a typical Wenger signing. With Newcastle seemingly going down as well, we could get him at a cut-price. Has impressed me a lot this season, and is a real rock at the back.

Brede Hangeland – Immense this season, and is exactly the type of player we need at the back. Brilliant in the air, and surprisingly good on the floor. He and Toure at the back would have a great balance I think, aerial dominance, with pace, strength and great reading of the game.

A defensive midfielder – Not sure whether this player should be a cover for Song, or become our first choice DM, either way we need a new one. The candidates that I can think of would be Barry, Alonso, Inler, Veloso and Flamini who are all top class and would be ideal.

Roque Santa Cruz – If injury free (which is the major concern) he is a top quality player, and the type of striker needed. Someone who stays centrally, has the power to hold the ball up, good in the air, can finish and score goals. We have so much flair and creativity in the team, we just need a player that stays in the centre, has a physical presence and scores goals. He would be perfect, but the injuries are a big concern.

Overall this would improve our squad a lot, by getting the balance right in the team and adding strong squad depth. It should also balance the books, which is important as we are still not in a position to go out and spend a lot of money without getting any back.