Summer shake-up, early verdicts: assessing the Premier League’s Big Six start to the new season
The Premier League's 2026-27 season has begun with significant managerial changes and record-breaking transfer spending. Arsenal has emerged as an early leader, while other 'Big Six' clubs like Chelsea are navigating major squad overhauls under new leadership.
Why it matters
The financial and tactical shifts in top-tier football reflect broader trends in sports economics and global talent management.
The Premier League’s 2026–27 summer transfer window closed on September 1, with spending records falling for the second season running as England’s top-flight clubs shelled out roughly £3.46 billion ($4.67 billion). Moreover, nine clubs changed managers over the summer, with three of them from the traditional top six: Andoni Iraola, Enzo Maresca and Xabi Alonso now lead Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
Gameweek three closed on Sunday (September 6, 2026) with Arsenal edging Chelsea 2-1 at home — the first round of fixtures since the window shut, and so the first real look at these squads in their finished form. Here is how the traditional top six have started their campaigns.
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