The wait is finally over! After a long two-month break, everyone’s favorite league, the English Premier League, is upon us and ready to resume action.
Champions Chelsea host Swansea, as they aim to defend their title, with Manchester United facing Tottenham on Saturday’s kick off, before Arsenal clash with West Ham, Liverpool with Stoke, and Manchester City with West Brom on Sunday and Monday.
Each side have been busy signing new additions in the summer transfer window with the hopes of building a title-worthy squad, but who have made the better summer deals so far? Let’s take a look.
ARSENAL
INS: Petr Cech (from Chelsea for £10m)
Belief among the Gunners and their legion of supporters is that the balance in the squad is already great; meaning the need for new additions is welcomed but not needed.
So far, only one major signing has arrived at the Emirates, and that is 33-year-old veteran Petr Cech, arriving from Chelsea for a mere £10m.
Speaking of the Blues…
CHELSEA
INS: 3
Most significant signings: Falcao (from Monaco on loan), Begovic (from Stoke for £8m)
After Cech’s 11-year affair with the Blues came to an end, everyone expected Mourinho to sign a replacement, one who could provide cover for Courtois yet still challenge him for his spot.
In came Asmir Begovic of Stoke City, signed for £8.0m.
Further up the pitch, Chelsea were short in numbers in the attacking department, and thus recruited Falcao on loan. Fans remain skeptical, however, after his abysmal season at United.
Speaking of the Red Devils…
MAN UNITED
.jpg?q=75&w=634)
INS: 5
Most significant signings: Schweinsteiger (from Bayern for £14.4m), Schneiderlin (from Southampton for £25m), Depay (from PSV for £31m)
The 20-time champions did also welcome Matteo Darmian from Torino for £12.7m and Sergio Romero from Sampdoria on a free transfer, but their key additions were in midfield.
Morgan and Bastian will add steel in midfield, whilst Eridivisie champion Memphis will add creativity up the field, having seen Di Maria leave to PSG.
The Red Devils, however, are in dire need of a forward, with Rooney their only senior striker, after selling Van Persie to Turkish side Fenerbahce.
MAN CITY
INS: 4
Most significant signings: Raheem Sterling (from Liverpool for £49.0m), Fabian Delph (from Aston Villa for £8m)
With FFP restrictions on the Citizens being loosened, Pellegrini’s side were able to spend big, and big they spent, signing Sterling for £49 from Liverpool, who took less than three minutes to score in his debut.
Fellow English midfielder Fabian Delph also arrived at the Etihad Stadium, and will look to fill the hole left by the departure of the tireless James Milner.
LIVERPOOL
INS: 7
Most significant signings: Benteke (from Aston Villa for £32.5m), Firmino (from Hoffenheim for £29.0m), Clyne (from Southampton for £12.5m)
Alongside Van Gaal's crew with 5 additions, Liverpool have been the most busy side in the transfer market.
Let’s not forget, the Reds did sign two free agents, James Milner and Danny Ings, who will add hardwork and a goalscoring threat to the Merseyside club.
However, most significant to the club are the additions of Benteke, Firmino, and Nathaniel Clyne, who enjoyed a rock solid campaign last term, and could add stability to Liverpool’s shaky defense.
