The Premier League Title Race 2025–26 has already started, not on the pitch, but in the transfer market. Before a single match has been played, clubs have already spent close to £1 billion, and the summer transfer window isn’t over yet. The top four teams from last season, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, are all spending heavily to either stay on top or regain their lost glory.
Liverpool, who won the 2024–25 title with a 10-point lead, are not taking any chances. Instead of sitting back, they’re spending big to stay ahead in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are trying to close the gap, but their spending shows it won’t be easy. Meanwhile, clubs like Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are trying to keep up, but they risk falling behind if they don’t respond quickly.
Arsenal is set to spend around £180 million once they complete the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £63.5m. They’ve already added Martín Zubimendi (£51m), Noni Madueke (£48m), Christian Norgaard (£10m), and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m). Manager Mikel Arteta clearly wants to push harder this season to finally lift the trophy in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
At the same time, Chelsea and Manchester City have already spent a combined £260 million. Their signings include João Pedro (£60m), Jamie Gittens (£51.5m), Tijjani Reijnders (£46.3m), Rayan Ait-Nouri (£36.3m), and Rayan Cherki (£34m). These players are expected to bring fresh energy and balance to their squads after mixed results last season, keeping them competitive in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
Liverpool Leads in Spending and Intent
But no club has made a louder statement than Liverpool. With Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp as manager, the Reds are not sitting still after winning the title. So far, they’ve spent £185.5m, and that number is about to jump. Once they complete the £69m transfer of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, their total spending will reach £254.5m, reinforcing their intent in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
Liverpool already made headlines by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £100m, plus £16m in add-ons. On top of that, they’ve secured Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), and Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m). These signings are designed to strengthen all areas of the squad and make Liverpool favorites in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
Even more worrying for their rivals is Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak from Newcastle. If the club sells players like Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, or Federico Chiesa, a move for Isak, which could cost over £130 million, may become reality. That would be another massive addition to an already powerful team in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
Last season, Liverpool finished comfortably above Arsenal, who were runners-up for the third time in a row. Now, the question is whether Arsenal and others can finally catch them. Bigger signings alone won’t win titles, but they do show intent, and right now, Liverpool looks the most serious about staying on top in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
Arsenal, City and Chelsea Step Up
Arsenal fans have been waiting since 2004 to win the Premier League again. Signing Gyokeres gives them the type of reliable striker they’ve lacked in past seasons. Madueke adds depth on the wings, while Zubimendi and Norgaard are seen as upgrades over Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who left the club this summer. All these changes make Arsenal a dangerous team in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
Manchester City, meanwhile, spent heavily in January, bringing in Nico González, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis for a total of £175.9m. Combined with their summer spending, City’s total for 2025 has reached nearly £296m. Their goal is clear, to take back the title after Liverpool ended their four-year reign, and make a statement in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26.
City lost two key players, Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, this summer, and Jack Grealish may also leave. However, new signings like Reijnders, Cherki, and Ait-Nouri offer fresh options. Plus, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is back from injury and could be a huge boost in midfield.
Chelsea, too, are showing signs of progress. Their surprise win at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States proved their potential. The victory over Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the final was especially impressive. Coach Enzo Maresca outsmarted PSG manager Luis Enrique, and the mid-tournament signing of João Pedro made an instant impact.
With talents like Cole Palmer and Pedro combining well, Chelsea now looks like a team that can challenge for the title. The question is whether they have enough depth to keep it up for a full season in the Premier League Title Race 2025–26. Their recent form suggests they might finally be ready to compete at the top again.
All four clubs, Liverpool, Arsenal, City, and Chelsea, have one thing in common this summer: huge spending. They are building strong squads not just to win, but to dominate. Other clubs may struggle to keep up unless they make smart signings before the window closes on September 1.
As preseason tours and friendly matches begin across the globe, one thing is already clear: the Premier League Title Race 2025–26 could be one of the most competitive in history. The top clubs have thrown down the gauntlet, and the message is simple , “Catch us if you can.”
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