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

The Premier League is on track to exceed $4 billion in spending for the second summer in a row. This transfer window has been one of the most turbulent in recent memory, largely due to nine of the 20 top-flight clubs appointing new managers since last season ended. Among these are some of the biggest names like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur hired Roberto De Zerbi late last season, and Michael Carrick took over at Manchester United on a temporary basis in January.

With several wealthy clubs under fresh leadership eager to make an impact, spending surged dramatically. Yet having deep pockets didn’t guarantee smart moves. The Premier League’s financial power means English clubs had to fend off interest from their domestic rivals, pushing prices ever higher. By deadline day, a clearer picture emerged of the winners and losers of this wild window.

Winners and Losers

Winner: Arsenal

Arsenal kept calm amid the chaos. They made targeted additions, signing Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa—both players in their prime ready to contribute immediately. Manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s leadership capitalized on their position of strength while others reshuffled heavily. Their attempts to sign marquee forwards like Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez fell through, and they appear light on the left wing after selling Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. Still, the arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge looks promising, showing early signs of value.

Loser: Tottenham Hotspur

After two consecutive 17th-place finishes, Tottenham backed Roberto De Zerbi with over $400 million spent on new players. Despite the heavy investment, their start was bleak: two league matches, two losses, no goals scored, and five conceded. Half the spending went on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, players who struggled at previous clubs. Fernandes was relegated with Southampton and West Ham, and Tonali underperformed last season at Newcastle.

Players like Savinho and Omar Marmoush arrived from Manchester City only because they didn’t fit at their former club. Losing out on signing Iliman Ndiaye, who went to City, and settling for Mykhailo Mudryk as an alternative seemed a sign of desperation. Defensively, new center-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke faced tough defeats early on. Overall, Spurs appear to have invested heavily in mid-table or bench players, making it a big challenge to improve quickly.

Winner: Manchester City

Manchester City experienced major squad turnover and began the season without long-time manager Pep Guardiola. The departure of Rodri added to challenges, but new coach Enzo Maresca inherits a deep and talented group. Director of football Hugo Viana conducted savvy sales, moving players like Savinho, Marmoush, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and James Trafford for good fees.

On deadline day, City spent a British record-equalling £125 million for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and another £65 million for Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. These experienced Premier League players join exciting youngsters like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Allan. The 10-time champions look ready to compete seriously despite the managerial change.

Loser: Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace enjoyed a remarkable couple of seasons under Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Europa Conference League. Glasner’s move to Nottingham Forest leaves new boss Pierre Sage with a tough job. Palace lost right-back Daniel Munoz to Forest and tried to prevent goalkeeper Dean Henderson from following.

Key forwards Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta remain but seem unhappy. Deadline-day signing Malick Fofana went to Sunderland. Maxence Lacroix left for Chelsea; Dwight McNeil arrived in exchange for Brennan Johnson. With previous losses like Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, this season looks challenging for Palace.

Winner: Leeds United

Leeds improved steadily under Daniel Farke last year, escaping relegation struggles. This window saw them strengthen sensibly. James Trafford joined from Manchester City as a reliable No. 1 goalkeeper, while Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi bolster the defense. Harry Wilson’s free transfer from Fulham adds valuable attacking quality after his 10 goals and seven assists last season. Leeds avoided flashy moves but seem better equipped now.

Loser: Aston Villa

Aston Villa had a strong 2025-26, winning a European trophy and finishing fourth in the league. Yet this summer they lost key players: Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers (who moved to Chelsea for a club-record £117 million), Emiliano Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins (now in the Saudi Pro League). This shattered much of the spine that made Villa competitive.

Some departures were expected—age reduction and release clauses—but the loss of so much quality is striking. New arrivals Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka bring excitement yet confusion. Manager Unai Emery faces a tough task rebuilding the team.

Winner: Newcastle United

Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali for significant fees and parted ways with manager Eddie Howe. After finishing 12th, new coach Matthias Jaissle seems to be building something fresh.

They strengthened their defense with goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek and full-back Amar Dedic, both upgrades. Young talents Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur arrived, along with Nico Gonzalez, who brings experience from Barcelona, Porto, and Manchester City. Deadline-day signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo looks a better fit up front than Nick Woltemade, who went on loan to Juventus.

Loser: Everton

Everton continue to struggle to find momentum after moving into their new stadium a year ago. Signings like Tyrique George, Hayden Hackney, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles provide promise, but scoring remains a problem. Dwight McNeil’s arrival did little to fix this.

Folarin Balogun was expected to help but complications during his medical and a failed negotiation with Joshua Zirkzee created chaos. Balogun eventually walked away despite a fresh deal with Monaco. Everton also sold Beto to Fiorentina without securing a replacement striker. The transfer of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City indirectly allowed Jack Grealish’s loan return but highlights the divergent trajectories of the two players.