With the summer transfer window in full swing, the English Premier League’s “Big Seven” have been splashing the cash as they look to improve on their performances from last season.
For some, that means challenging for the title and for others, making it into the UEFA Champions League places.
We’ve rated their business so far, looking at the teams’ major ins and outs as we get closer to the beginning of the 2023/24 season.
Arsenal
In: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber
Out: Granit Xhaka
Arsenal have been extremely active so far this summer, finally getting their main target Declan Rice in for £105 million this weekend. Rice is a statement signing for Arsenal and could be the perfect man in midfield for Mikel Arteta, especially with the experienced Granit Xhaka leaving for Bayer Leverkusen. Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz are also clever signings – experienced beyond their years and capable of playing a number of positions for The Gunners
Rating so far: 8.5/10
Read our look at Arsenal’s potential starting XI for next season
Tottenham Hotspur
In: James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario
Out: N/A
After a disappointing season in which they failed to secure European football for the 2023/24 season, new manager Ange Postecoglou has added James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario to a squad that will be desperate to keep hold of main man Harry Kane. Maddison has been outstanding for Leicester City over the last few years and will definitely provide creativity for Spurs, whilst Vicario has impressed for Empoli over the last few seasons and will push for the goalkeeper spot in North London.
Rating so far: 7/10
Manchester United
In: Mason Mount
Out: David de Gea
Mason Mount has been United’s only big-money signing so far, with The Red Devils’ spending £60 million on the England international, who will provide dynamism to their midfield alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
David de Gea’s time at Manchester United has come to an end after over a decade in England and whilst Andre Onana has been tipped to replace him at Old Trafford, nothing has been signed yet although a deal is close. United fans will be hoping for some positive news in the coming weeks.
Rating so far: 5.5/10
Manchester City
In: Mateo Kovacic
Out: Ilkay Gundogan
Pep Guardiola has built something of a super team at Manchester City, with very little needed to be done to improve their side. Having said that, inspirational captain Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona will be an important hole to fill, and one that Guardiola will hope that new man Mateo Kovacic can deliver in.
Rating so far: 5/10
Check out the odds for City to win the 2023/24 EPL
Liverpool
In: Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister
Out: James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita
With veterans James Milner and Roberto Firmino leaving Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has replaced them well, bringing in RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister to bolster the Reds’ midfield and attack. Liverpool will hope the two can add a different dimension to their attack and take them back to UCL football.
Rating so far: 7/10
Newcastle United
In: Sandro Tonali
Out: N/A
Newcastle have money to spend, and have so far elected to spend it on Italian midfield enforcer Sandro Tonali. The former AC Milan man will add well to Eddie Howe’s midfield which is known for its physicality and intensity, and adds UCL experience on top of that
Rating so far: 6/10
Chelsea
In: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku
Out: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, N’Golo Kanté, Edouard Mendy, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta
After a terrible season in which they missed out on UCL football, Chelsea have seen nine first team players leave already this summer as Mauricio Pochettino looks to clear out dead wood from his squad and rebuild his team.
Nicolas Jackson is an exciting young talent up front, and Christopher Nkunku is a proven goalscorer and creator in a number of positions across the frontline. Chelsea fans will be hoping for more arrivals by September, however.
Rating so far: 6/10
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