Have Arsenal's rivals done enough in transfer window to challenge?

What the report says

BBC Sport football writer Phil McNulty assesses whether Arsenal’s main Premier League rivals have done enough in the summer transfer window to threaten the reigning champions, with the window now closed and the season already under way. The piece says Arsenal began with two wins and, despite a quiet end to their own business, still appear the team to beat after strengthening earlier in the summer.

The article highlights major changes at Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola’s long era has ended and the club has rebuilt heavily after several high-profile departures. BBC Sport says City spent a Premier League-record £458m in the window, including a British-record-equalling £125m deal for Enzo Fernandez, while also bringing in other expensive additions. Despite the upheaval, McNulty argues City’s depth still leaves them well placed to challenge.

Chelsea are described as active again in the market, with new manager Xabi Alonso benefiting from a major reshaping of the squad. BBC Sport notes the club added Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Martinez and Maxence Lacroix, among others, while also losing Enzo Fernandez to City late in the window. The report suggests Chelsea remain outsiders, but could be competitive because they have no European fixtures.

Liverpool’s summer centered on replacing Mohamed Salah’s goals and creativity after his departure, but McNulty says their opening matches have exposed an unresolved midfield problem. Manchester United are also mentioned as having focused on midfield recruitment. Overall, the article argues that Arsenal still look strongest, while their rivals have varied levels of business left them with different strengths and lingering flaws.