. The feelgood factor generated by the famous thrashing of Manchester City will not last long if a lack of attacking options means they cannot sustain their challenge in the Premier League. Arteta, who would not allow Kieran Tierney or Jorginho to leave with their contracts expiring in the summer, will be hoping that some winter sunshine in Dubai next week can give his players extra spark when they return. Ed Aarons
Marcus Rashford was the headline-grabbing signing for Unai Emery and it will be down to the Spaniard to get the forward back to his best after a lengthy Manchester United malaise. Donyell Malen, Marco Asensio and Andrés García were smart moves to add depth to a squad that has struggled with the hectic schedule brought by playing in the expanded Champions League. The accountant will be extremely happy, too, after Jaden Philogene, Diego Carlos and Jhon Durán were sold for a combined total of almost £100m. Will Unwin
Key ins: Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund, £20m), Andrés García (Levante, £6m), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United, loan), Marco Asensio (PSG, loan), Axel Disasi (Chelsea, loan)
Key outs: Jhon Durán (Al-Nassr, £64.4m), Jaden Philogene (Ipswich, £20m), Diego Carlos (Fenerbahce, £9.3m), Kosta Nedeljkovic (RB Leipzig, loan)
With Evanilson and Enes Unal sidelined for the long term with a broken foot and ACL injury respectively, Andoni Iraola was hoping to bring in cover up front. Bournemouth failed to do so, with Iraola ending up with two promising defenders instead. Julio Soler and Matai Akinmboni may be untested in the Premier League but the club’s recent record in the transfer market suggests they …
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