2. Competition
While Arsenal have strengthened in key areas, their competitors have strengthened their previously superior squads even more. Liverpool have signed Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho and Alisson and are favorites to challenge Manchester City for the title. Chelsea has signed midfield star Jorginho from Napoli. Manchester City have signed Riyad Mahrez and Claudio Gomes. Manchester United have signed Diogo Dalot, Fred and Lee Grant. Only Tottenham haven’t made any signings, but we can expect a few signings more from every team before the transfer window shuts.
Stephan Lichtsteiner will add valuable squad depth but will is not a massive upgrade on Hector Bellerin due to his age. Bernd Leno has a lot of potential but has been inconsistent so far making the odd error. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is 30 and has been average the last two seasons. Matteo Guendouzi is one for the future. Only Lucas Torreira is expected to hit the ground running.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea look better on paper. Manchester United and Tottenham look like they will make more signings and if Arsenal don’t make more signings it looks like they will be out of the race before it even begins.