Big-spending Pep Guardiola leads chase of Chelsea as big guns recharge ahead of new season
Top clubs spending lavishly in an effort to close the gap on Conte’s side
Empowered by a close-season transfer splurge of some £200 million (HK$2.04 billion), Manchester City are the early favourites to topple Premier League champions Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola endured a bruising first season in English football as City failed to challenge for the title, eventually finishing 15 points adrift of Chelsea in third place.
The club reacted with a glut of new signings – three new full-backs in Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo, plus goalkeeper Ederson and playmaker Bernardo Silva – and now look a force to be reckoned with.
“I looked at them towards the end of last season and the forward players they’ve got is scary.”
While City shimmered in attack, they frequently looked vulnerable in defence and resculpting the back four has been Guardiola’s main priority.