Premier League Transfer Window: Arsenal’s Stability, Man City’s Support for Maresca, Spurs’ Risky Spending

The Premier League is on track to exceed $4 billion in spending again this summer, marking another record-breaking transfer window. The 2026 summer has been one of the most turbulent in recent memory due to nine out of twenty clubs appointing new managers since last season.

Among those with new leadership are Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, all part of the traditional "big six." Tottenham Hotspur brought in Roberto De Zerbi late last season, while Michael Carrick's temporary role at Manchester United gives them a relatively experienced figure at the helm. This influx of fresh management in powerful clubs has led to ambitious plans backed by significant financial investments.

Despite the large sums involved, high spending doesn’t always mean smart acquisitions. The Premier League’s financial strength means clubs face stiff competition from domestic rivals for players, pushing prices higher than in other European leagues. By deadline day, it was clearer who benefited and who struggled during this chaotic period.

Winners and Losers of the Transfer Window

Winner: Arsenal

Arsenal have maintained a steady approach amid the frenzy. The reigning champions secured Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, key "win-now" additions in their prime years. Manager Mikel Arteta and the club's decision-makers understood their strong position and chose stability over risky moves. Though attempts to sign marquee attackers like Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez fell through, Arsenal’s purchase of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge looks like a bargain based on his early performances. Losing Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli left some gaps, especially on the left flank, but overall, the Gunners stayed composed.

Loser: Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham made a bold statement backing Roberto De Zerbi with over $400 million spent on new players. After two league games with no goals scored and two losses, questions arise about the value of their investment. Half of the spending went on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who both come with concerns—Fernandes already having relegation experience, and Tonali’s past Newcastle stint ended in disappointment.

The squad additions like Savinho and Omar Marmoush arrived after being deemed surplus at Manchester City, which allowed City to pursue Iliman Ndiaye instead, a blow to Spurs’ attacking hopes. Their fallback target Mykhailo Mudryk seemed like a less serious option. New defenders Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke struggled in initial matches, hinting at an expensive group that may struggle to change Spurs' fortunes quickly.

Winner: Manchester City

Man City face a major transition without Pep Guardiola after a decade in charge and losing Rodri to La Liga. Enzo Maresca inherits a squad refreshed by key signings and shrewd sales. Director of football Hugo Viana managed to sell several players for good fees, including Savinho, Omar Marmoush, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and James Trafford.

Deadline day saw a British record-equaling £125 million spent on Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, plus £65 million for Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. These experienced Premier League players join exciting youngsters like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Allan, positioning City strongly despite the changes.

Loser: Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace enjoyed success under Oliver Glasner, winning trophies like the FA Cup, but he has moved to Nottingham Forest, leaving a tough challenge for new manager Pierre Sage. Glasner also facilitated Daniel Munoz’s move away from Selhurst Park. Palace’s attempts to stop Dean Henderson joining Forest failed, while forwards Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta remain but likely unhappy.

New signing Malick Fofana joined Sunderland on deadline day. Maxence Lacroix left for Chelsea, and the main arrival was Dwight McNeil, swapped for Brennan Johnson moving to Everton. After losing Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi last season, the signs point to a difficult campaign ahead.

Winner: Leeds United

Leeds improved significantly last season under Daniel Farke, escaping relegation trouble. This window has strengthened their squad further with James Trafford arriving from Manchester City as first-choice goalkeeper, and Tarik Muharemovic bolstering defense alongside Pascal Strujik’s move to Brighton and signing Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Harry Wilson’s free transfer from Fulham adds attacking threat after a strong previous season. It wasn’t a flashy window, but Leeds look more solid at both ends of the pitch.

Loser: Aston Villa

Aston Villa seem to be suffering the effects of last season’s European success. After finishing fourth and winning the Europa Conference League, the squad’s core has been dismantled: Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers left, with Rogers moving to Chelsea for a club-record £117 million. Emiliano Martinez followed to Stamford Bridge, while Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal and Ollie Watkins headed to the Saudi Pro League.

Although these departures reduce average squad age and some were forced by contracts, Villa lost much of their quality. Newcomers Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka bring promise but also uncertainty. Emery faces a tough task rebuilding this side.

Winner: Newcastle United

Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali for good fees and saw Eddie Howe leave as manager. Despite finishing 12th last season, new coach Matthias Jaissle and the club have made some smart signings.

Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek and full-back Amar Dedic strengthen the backline, which will soon see Tino Livramento and Dan Burn return from injury. Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur add youthful energy, and Nico Gonzalez brings experience from Barcelona, Porto, and Manchester City to midfield. Deadline day signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo offers an energetic option up front, improving on Nick Woltemade, who went on loan to Juventus.

Loser: Everton

Everton have had a frustrating window, with some promising signings like Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney. Ainsley Maitland-Niles finally fills a longstanding right-back need, and Dwight McNeil’s arrival helped, but scoring remains a problem.

Folarin Balogun, expected to boost the attack, faced medical issues and ultimately walked away from a deal. Attempts to sign Joshua Zirkzee failed, and even a renegotiated deal with Monaco collapsed. Everton sold Beto to Fiorentina assuming a striker would arrive, but chaos reigned.

Iliman Ndiaye’s move to Manchester City facilitated Jack Grealish’s loan return, but their career paths diverge sharply, with Grealish clearly on the up.