NEWS · 02 Sep 2026
Have Arsenal's rivals done enough in the summer transfer window?
As the summer transfer window closes, Phil McNulty asks whether the clubs that challenge Arsenal have made the moves necessary to keep up with the champions. The question weighs on the season’s early momentum and the balance of power in the Premier League.
The summer transfer window is now closed, leaving clubs to reflect on the moves they have made in the hopes of securing a place in the top four. Arsenal’s rivals, in particular, are under scrutiny as to whether they have strengthened their squads enough to pose a genuine challenge to the reigning champions.
Phil McNulty, chief football writer for BBC Sport, raises the question of whether the transfer activity of clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and others has been sufficient to keep pace with Arsenal’s ambitions. The focus is on the quality and depth of the new signings and the strategic choices made by each club’s management.
With the Premier League’s competitive landscape shifting each season, the summer window is a critical period for teams to address gaps and build for the future. The outcome of this period can influence a club’s trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.
As the window closes, clubs will now turn their attention to pre-season preparations and the integration of new players. The effectiveness of the summer signings will become clear as the season unfolds and matches begin to test the squads’ resilience.
Ultimately, the question remains: will the moves made by Arsenal’s rivals be enough to keep the title race open, or will Arsenal’s recent success be a sign that they are ahead of the curve? The answer will only be revealed as the Premier League season gets underway.