Relax – the Premier League is back and, with a thrilling transfer window nearing it's conclusion, there is much to be excited about. With total transfer fees closing in on the £1 billion mark already, we have seen a number of marquee signings arriving from overseas as well as several high-profile switches between the Premier League’s 20 clubs.
Once again, the top spenders (thus far) are Manchester City, who have already made half a dozen signings this window. City conceded over a goal a game on average last season which was underlined by a number of defensive clangers. Pep will be hoping that his three new full-backs in Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy supplement the undeniable talent City have going forward and ensure they are worthy of being labelled title favourites for the 2017/18 season,
Last season’s champions Chelsea have also had a busy transfer window, adding 24-year old striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid following rumours that unsettled frontman Diego Costa is on his way out of Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte has also signed French International Tiemoué Bakayoko to add to his defensive midfield options as well as bolstering his back-line with German centre half Antonio Rüdiger.
Jose Mourinho rarely has a quiet transfer window wherever he is and this summer has been no different. With the departure of record scorer Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to follow, Mourinho has brought in Romelu Lukaku after the striker notched up 25 league goals for Everton last season.
Arsène Wenger will be desperate for a strong showing in the league this season having failed to finish inside the top-4 for the first time since 1995/96. With doubt surrounding the future of star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil, Wenger has shelled out £45 million for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette. The French striker compiled 37 goals in all competitions last season and Arsenal fans will be hoping their new signing continues this in his first year at the Emirates.
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side will need to pass through the final round of qualifying if they are to be in the draw for the Champions League group stages but with an exciting young side and talented winger Mohamed Salah joining from Roma, there could be bright times ahead on Merseyside.
However, they will face competition for places in the league from city rivals Everton, who have been particularly busy. Over the past six weeks, Wayne Rooney has returned to his boyhood club in addition to Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen and Michael Keane also signing for the Toffees.
Spurs have somewhat snuck under the radar this transfer window with no major signings but fans and players alike seem to be in confident mood ahead of the new season. Whilst they undoubtedly have the talent in their ranks to challenge again for the title, there is concern that a lack of squad depth and an over reliance on key players may prove to be their undoing. If we were to aggregate the points across the past two seasons, Spurs would be top of the league but the question is whether they can continue to compete with the power of Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs.
In contrast, London rivals West Ham have had a busy window adding Marko Arnautovic (£25m) and Javier Hernandez (£16m) to their attacking options in addition to Pablo Zabaleta (free) and England goalkeeper Joe Hart (on loan). The Hammers will be hoping that new signings will help make the difference and improve on last season’s inconsistent campaign.
Elsewhere, we can look forward to the return of Newcastle United to the Premier League in addition to new boys Brighton and Huddersfield. Whilst 2015/16 champions Leicester City will hope to bounce back after a disappointing defence of their title last season.
Wherever you are, whoever you support, be sure to take in some of the action; it promises to be a thrilling season. Keith Prowse are official football hospitality providers for the biggest tournaments. See some of the biggest clubs in action in the best league in the world at iconic grounds such as Stamford Bridge, Wembley Stadium, The Emirates Stadium, Anfield, The Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford.