As the Premier League transfer window closes, defending champions Arsenal look well placed to retain the title they won last season after their rivals spent heavily to close the gap. Mikel Arteta's side have made a strong start with two league wins, alongside a Community Shield victory over Manchester City, and added quality signings including Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, though their pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez fell through as he opted for Barcelona instead.

Manchester City underwent major upheaval, replacing Pep Guardiola with Enzo Maresca and losing several senior players, but responded with record spending under their new manager. They paid a joint British transfer record £125m for Enzo Fernandez and £116m for Elliot Anderson, taking their total outlay to a Premier League record £458m for the window, surpassing Liverpool's £415m last summer, while also recouping around £300m through player sales.