The Premier League’s top clubs have spent hundreds of millions and billions between them this summer, but where does Manchester City’s spending compare to their rivals?
After a couple of quieter years in the wake of PSR restrictions, the transfer window has burst back to life this summer with a ridiculous level of spending across the Premier League.
More than an astonishing £1.5bn has already been spent by the Premier League clubs since June and there are still several weeks to go before deadline day.
Manchester City are typically among the highest spenders, with Pep Guardiola aiming to rebuild his squad after last year’s struggles.
James Trafford will soon become signing number six, joining in a £27m deal from Burnley after snubbing Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper will follow Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait Nouri, Sverre Nypan and Marcus Bettinelli to the club.
City have spent heavily and here’s how they compare to title rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
How Manchester City’s summer transfers compare to Premier League rivals
Manchester United have once again invested heavily, spending £140m on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon, but they can hardly be considered contenders for the title.
Likewise, with heavy spenders Sunderland and Tottenham, who have also exceeded the £100m mark.
Reigning champions Liverpool are, of course, the favourites, but City, Arsenal and Chelsea will be aiming to beat them to top spot.
Here’s how the four clubs’ summer spending compares so far.
| Manchester City | Liverpool | Arsenal | Chelsea |
| Tijjani Rijnders – £46.3m | Hugo Ekitike – £79m | Kepa Arrizabalaga – £5m | Jamie Gittens – £51.5m |
| Rayan Ait Nouri – £36.3m | Florian Wirtz – £116m | Martin Zubimendi – £51m | Joao Pedro – £60m |
| Rayan Cherki – £34m | Milos Kerkez – £40m | Christian Norgaard – £15m | Lam Delap – £30m |
| Sverre Nypan – £12.5m | Jeremie Frimpong – £29.5m | Noni Madueke – £52m | Estevao Willian – £29.1m |
| Marcus Bettinelli – Undisclosed, minimal | Giorgi Mamardasvili – £29m | Cristhian Mosquera – £13m | Dario Essugo – £18.5m |
| James Trafford – £27m* | Armin Pecsi – £1.5m | Viktor Gyokeres – £64m* | Mamadou Sarr – £11.9m |
| Freddie Woodman – Free | |||
| Total: £156.1m | Total: £295m | Total: £200m | Total: £201m |
City have spent less than all three of their biggest challengers for the title, though the Blues did splash the cash considerably in January.
Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis cost a combined £172.1m.
City could still match Liverpool’s spending if they wanted, but that is already a huge outlay for a single year.
Yet, they have been seriously outgunned by Liverpool, who are building from a position of strength.
Chelsea continue to spend wildly as they have for years but are now getting closer to becoming a serious team after winning the Club World Cup.
Even Arsenal look to have finally got their acts together by signing a much-needed striker in Viktor Gyokeres.
Who else will the Premier League title challengers sign this summer?
The ridiculous numbers could still climb higher, too, given that all four clubs are not finished with their business just yet.
City appear the closest, though. Once Trafford is over the line, the only other position they need to strengthen is right-back.
But with Tino Livramento looking difficult to sign and Wesley heading to Roma, they may choose to wait until next year.
The most worrying signing that could be made is if Liverpool capture Alexander Isak for £150m, breaking the British transfer record twice in the same window in the process.
Chelsea are closing on yet another forward in Xavi Simmons, while Arsenal may yet add a left-winger, too.
It’s going to be an exciting end to the transfer window.
