Five players we need to sign in the summer!

Although Francesco Guidolin isn’t keen to make drastic changes to the squad for next season, Swansea do need a good shake up this summer - shift a little deadwood, and bring in some fresh faces to start (and continue) the 2016/17 campaign with some purpose.

So, in no particular order, here are five players that would fit in well, are in budget (just), and aren’t that far fetched:

1. Wilfried Bony

The departure of Wilfried Bony left a huge hole in the squad - one which just hasn’t been filled since he left in January 2015. He’s certainly played his part for Man City this season, but would definitely be more appreciated at Swansea. At around £20million he would usually be out of budget, but - knowing what he can do in front of goal when placed in the Swansea set-up - he would be worth every penny.

2. Joe Allen

Despite Bony already mentioned on this list, I’m actually not a fan of looking to the past (hence my pleasure that Guidolin will stay and Rodgers won’t return). However, bringing Joe Allen back is a move that seems to be very popular with the majority of most Swans fans, so he makes this list. Allen followed Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool in 2012, but never became the first-team player he wanted. He’d probably be very happy to return, and would offer some solidity and passing prowess in midfield. And, like Bony, he knows how the team works.

3. Jordan Ayew

Two brothers playing for the same side hasn’t happened at Swansea for decades (we have to go back to the sixties with Billy and Tony Screen). However, with Jordan Ayew standing out as one of the only good things at the depressing Aston Villa this season, his talent undoubtedly deserves to remain in the Premier League. Several other clubs are reportedly after the young striker, including Bournemouth and West Ham, but surely his brother would put in a good word?

4. Nathan Redmond

Recently relegated with Norwich, Nathan Redmond is another good target this summer, with Crystal Palace, Stoke and West Ham all interested in the England Under-21 winger. Another flair player, which is just what the Swans need after a season devoid of much zest.

5. Mathieu Debuchy

The first four on this list were attack-minded players, so in a last-gasp attempt to restore some balance let’s go for a defender. And we look at Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy. The French international (who will miss Euro 2016 after picking up a thigh injury) has struggled to get into the Gunners’ first team and has been on loan at Bordeaux this season. But he would fit nicely into the Swans squad - solid at the back and a good playmaker, you feel he’d impress slightly more than Naughton and Rangel have recently.