ARSENAL

Ready to spend or spent force?

Cash is tight. Some of the money for the purchase of Andrey Arshavin in January came from this summer’s transfer budget, leaving Arsène Wenger likely to have to sell players to provide a transfer kitty and enable the manager to sign at least one central defender and a holding midfield player. Emmanuel Adebayor, William Gallas and Kolo Touré are among the players who could make way.

Wish list or wishful thinking?

Thomas Vermaelen could be one of the two central defenders ideally needed, if the Belgian can agree personal terms after a £10 million fee was agreed with Ajax. Arsenal have been linked with Edin Dzeko, but it is not clear why Wenger needs the Wolfsburg forward.

In: None.

Out: None.

ASTON VILLA

Ready to spend or spent force?

Randy Lerner has made it plain that team-building is not all about splashing the cash, but this is a pivotal summer for Martin O’Neill after three years at the helm. He needs to replace Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen, both as leaders and as players. Spent nearly £50 million last summer, but might spend only half that amount this time.

Wish list or wishful thinking?

Villa need a dominant central defender and have been linked with Vadim Demidov, of Rosenborg, and Olof Mellberg, who got his big pay day when leaving amicably on a free for Juventus 12 months ago. David Bentley is too costly at £12 million, as is Darren Bent. Michael Owen would be keen on Villa, though not on a pay-as-you play basis, but they are less keen on him.