5 teams to look out for next season

With the World Cup coming to an end, the football world has once again fixed its eyes on the ever-entertaining club football. Major clubs across Europe are now involved in pre-season, as fans anxiously wait for the new season to start.

The gap between the big and the so-called small teams has reduced in recent years. It has sure made the beautiful more interesting than ever. There are certain clubs around the world that we as football fans should look out for in the next season

Here is a list of 5 teams such teams:

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#1 Arsenal

There have been big changes at Arsenal this summer. After 22 years at the helm, Arsene Wenger’s spell in charge at the club came to an end, and he was replaced by Unai Emery.

For the first time in 10 years, Arsenal fans have no idea what to expect from the new season. The Gunners usually commence their season in disastrous form with a lack of quality signings and Arsene Wenger facing criticism from all angles. But with a new man in town Arsenal is a new place with optimism. The appointment of Unai Emery is generally seen as a safe bet. Emery has clear pedigree having taken Sevilla to three consecutive Europa league titles.

Furthermore, his experience at Valencia where he managed to maintain the third position for the club in La Liga despite losing key players like David Silva, David Villa and Juan Mata will sure be an asset.

The appointment of the former PSG man has also seen some exciting talent coming in though Emirates. The likes of Bernd Leno should be able to fill a goalkeeper shaped hole in the Arsenal lineup which could be seen clearly from the past few seasons. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Uruguayan Ball Winning Midfielder Lucas Torreira will make their midfield look all the more solid.

Emery is looking to bolster the defence at Arsenal with signings of experienced defenders like Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis Papastathopoulos adding much needed defensive stability to the team which already has the attacking prowess of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Having missed out on Champions League football after finishing sixth the previous season it would be interesting to see where Unai Emery will lead Arsenal in the coming season.

#2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves have been on a steep upward curve ever since super agent Jorge Mendes turned his attention towards the West-Midlands in 2017. After tearing the Championship to shreds Ruben Neves would be hungry in a league that matches his level. The defensive midfielder contributed to 7 goals in 2017-18 and would be key for Nuno Espírito Santo as he looks to continue the clubs remarkable form.

An interesting fact about Santo the former Porto manager is that ever since taking over at the Molineux in summer 2017, he has only lost 2 home games in all competitions. He would certainly be hoping to make the Molineux a fortress again this season.

Usually, pundits are quick to count newly promoted teams to go down again, however with Wolves' newfound riches and connections it would be a very big surprise if anyone tips them to be fighting relegation this season.

#3 Parma

Parma Calcio

Parma only suffered the humiliation of financial ruins and demotion to the non-professional Serie D three years ago. But remarkably they have already made their way back to the Italian top flight.

Parma have in no way, shape, or form the star-studded lineup that they used to have in the 90s with the likes of Juan Sebastian Veron controlling their midfield. But, they have still bolstered their squad considerably ahead of the new season.

Perhaps most importantly they have made their loan deal for Napoli's Jacopo Dezi permanent. The 26 years old contributed to 7 goals from midfield in their promotion campaign. Parma had by far the best defensive record in Serie B last season.

Parma is by no means sure to stay up but after their recent rise from ashes, it sure will be interesting to see them in the Serie A again.

#2 Sporting Club

Sporting CP

The 2017-18 season ended in a calamity for the Portuguese club after their president Bruno de Carvalho threatened to suspend 19 first team players after their defeat in the Europa League against Atletico Madrid.

What followed after this incident was full on disgraceful. A month later Sporting's players were physically attacked in their training ground by a group of Ultras in assault largely believed to be influenced by Carvalho's public outburst.

Sporting have to deal with the loss of their captain Willian Carvalho and their vice-captain Rui Patricio. The number of high profile players have also terminated their contracts following the attacks. The historic Portuguese club could be in for a difficult time next season.

#1 Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid

With the squads of Real Madrid and Barcelona arguably being the weakest they have been in years, there is no better time for Atleti to try and regain the Spanish crown.

Atletico have been shrewd in the transfer market picking up Rodri from Villarreal for £20m. While obtaining Thomas Lemar £60m. Arguably the Rodri signing was more important with Atleti getting the Gabi replacement they desperately needed.

The two signings are not the only reason for the Atleti fans to be optimistic about the next season. With Diego Simeone extending his contract till 2020 and Griezmann ensuring that he would stay in the Spanish capital. The midfield of Koke, Saul, Rodri and Lemar. Costa and Griezmann leading the line is a very exciting prospect.