ARSENAL
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Key Arrivals: Rice (West Ham), Havertz (Chelsea), Timber (Ajax)
Key Departures: Xhaka (Leverkusen), Mari (Monza), Maitland-Niles (released)
Prediction: High-class signings in Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz should make the Gunners strong title contenders again and also a force in their long-awaited return to the Champions League. However, the big spending will inevitably lead to higher expectations and more pressure.
ASTON VILLA
Manager: Unai Emery
Key Arrivals: Tielemans (Leicester), Torres (Villarreal)
Key Departures: Young (Everton), Nakamba (Luton)
The exciting rejuvenation forged by Emery last season will raise expectations that may be hard to fulfil, although the additions of Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans have strengthened their squad considerably. The Villans’ aim will be back-to-back European qualification and to have a deep
