Although the Barclays Premier League season starts on Saturday 16th of August, title contenders Manchester United & City along with Chelsea and Liverpool have begun preparing their squads, 12 years since the league was founded. Don't get me wrong, Arsenal, as always are considered strong candidates however, Mr Wenger has been a little slow in acquiring new talent so Gooners don't expect to hear to much about your club in this one.
Take a look at the biggest signings in England so far this summer.
Firstly, a look at Manchester United. No European competitions in the 2014/15 season gives David Moyes' successor - Louis Van Gaal, still yet to be unveiled - a prime opportunity to turn the club's fortunes around from last season and take United to a 14th Premier League title.
Currently on international duty, preparing Holland for a FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final, the former Ajax and Barcelona manager will take the reigns with two new faces in the squad. Luke Shaw, a reported £30m signing followed up the acquisition of midfielder, Ander Herrera from Spanish side, Athletic Bilboa.
The two aforementioned undoubtedly boost what was an ordinary looking Manchester United last season, but another two or three stand-out signings are necessary in my view, to achieve the Premier League title in Van Gaal's first season in charge. Shaw, 18, is seen as the prodigal England left back once he can surpass Leighton Baines in the England squad and has to be a starter in my book, it's Evra's time to step-down. Herrera, still only 24 himself, adds a sense of flair to United's midfield, making them more dynamic. The Holland boss has possibly a bigger task in forging a successful front line, with Wayne Rooney's role undetermined, the same problem can be said for RVP, Mata, Welbeck & co.
A short trip to Merseyside and Brendan Rodgers has added two England internationals to his Liverpool sqaud. The Reds parted with £25m to seal Adam Lallana, who joins Rickie Lambert in moving from Southampton. Both players made their England bow's last season and were part of England's World Cup squad, both however were bit-part players in the group stages. Rodgers will be hoping for them to replicate last season's form, Lambert may get a starting berth following Luis Suarez's four-month ban. Rodgers has also brought in Emre Can, a 20 year-old versatile midfielder, comparing him to Ballack & Schweingsteiger upon his arrival.
Current rumours suggest Liverpool are set to finalise a deal for Lille's Divock Origi. The 19 year-old striker has been a sensation for Belgium in their current World Cup run, overseeing the USA to reach the Quarter-Final. Barcelona are tracking Suarez, despite his ban however it's still unknown whether Brendan Rodgers will allow last season's top-scorer to depart.
London now, and Jose Mourinho has finally wrapped up Diego Costa for Chelsea. A talked-about transfer for some time that has recently been confirmed, after the club had met his release clause from Athletico Madrid. Former Arsenal man, Cesc Fabregas is another player to join from La Liga and is seen as replacement for Frank Lampard who's next destination looks to be the states. Costa is viewed as the manager's main striker next season with Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o all flopping in the goals department.
Mourinho's next target has been touted as Paul Pogba, another player shining at this summer's World Cup in Brazil. Costa's Athletico teammates, Miranda, Felipe and former CFC midfielder Tiago are others to be linked with club in the rumour mill.
Finally Manchester City.
The current Premier League holders have signed Bacary Sagna - another one Arsenal couldn't hold on to - and Brazilian international Fernando from Porto who will link up with his new club after the World Cup. It seems Manuel Pelligrini doesn't plan to change too much to a side that scored a whopping 102 goals in the Premier League last season. Gareth Barry could be heading to Everton, a move which will give him first-team Football, something unlikely at Etihad for Barry.
As for Arsenal, there isn't too much to report. Costa Rica star, Joel Campbell has secured a work permit allowing him to play a role next season. There's still plenty of time till the window shuts in September for Arsene to roll his sleeves up and make the pivotal signings required for the Gooners to any chance of overcome all of the above. Newcastle's Debuchy, is the closest to a new face at the Emirates, rumoured to be unveiled at the Emirates Stadium, once again after the World Cup is over.
Who do you believe will the best signing of 2013-14 season?
Who would you like to see at your club?
Let me know at https://twitter.com/John_Clarkson
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