Manchester City is expected to be the team to beat once again, even after an offseason that has seen the club lose its inspirational captain Ilkay Gundogan and game-changing winger Riyad Mahrez. There is also still uncertainty about the future of Bernardo Silva, and one of Pep Guardiola's top targets, Declan Rice, joined last season's runner-up Arsenal instead of City.

Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has joined City from Leipzig and his international teammate, midfielder Mateo Kovacic, was signed from Chelsea. The question is how fierce a challenge City will face from its rivals.

Arsenal's transfer business suggests it is ready to step up its challenge to City. Declan Rice and Champions League-winning forward Kai Havertz have joined. Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber was signed from Ajax. Arsenal should have more depth as a result of its recruitment, while Rice is regarded one of the top midfield talents in Europe. It will also have the experience of being involved in an intense title race.

Manchester United has also made additions in key areas. Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund has ended the club's search for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. England midfielder Mason Mount has joined from Chelsea and goalkeeper Andre Onana was signed from Inter Milan. The team will be expected to mount a title challenge.

Liverpool is in the middle of a major overhaul, with a slew of the players who won the title in 2020 and reached three Champions League finals in five seasons having left the club. The team went from challenging for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies in 2022 to missing out on the top four in the Premier League last season. Getting back into the Champions League will be a priority for them.

Another team that massively underachieved last season was Chelsea, despite record spending on new signings. Mauricio Pochettino has been hired to bring the good times back to Chelsea and a season without any European competition should allow them more time to work on the training field. It would be a remarkable achievement if the team could get anywhere near City.