IN THE MIXER

Transfer rumours are gathering pace; new kits are being unveiled and friendly fixtures are being announced. It can only mean one thing- the dreaded June football lull is almost over.
 

It’s the rumours that really keep people going, who will their club sign, who will be shown the door and who will their main rivals be bringing in?
 

Some clubs have already begun putting their new season jigsaws together, Manchester City have added £30million Brazilian Fernandinho whilst Carlos Tevez looks set for a move to Juventus. Chelsea have added Bayer Leverkusen’s Andre Schurrle for around £18million whilst Aston Villa and Liverpool have both been fairly busy in the early exchanges.
 

The rumours continue to swirl, with Gonzalo Higuan set to swap Madrid and the Bernabeu for the Emirates and Arsenal, whilst Paulinho and David Villa expected at the other end of Seven Sisters Road at White Hart Lane. Napoli’s Cavani is another name being linked with a move to the Premier League but will it be to Chelsea, Manchester City or United?
 

Despite all of these transfer rumours the real interesting point of discussion surrounding the Premier League is the uncharacteristic wholesale management changes at the top end of the Division. The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson seems to have sparked a flurry of changes. David Moyes has left Everton to replace his fellow Scotsman at Old Trafford, whilst FA Cup winning and relegated manager Roberto Martinez leaves Wigan to replace Moyes in the dugout at Goodison. The second coming of Jose Mourinho has shortened Chelsea’s title odds for the new campaign and Roberto Mancini’s harsh ejection from the Etihad hotseat sees Chilean Manuel Pellegrini also arrive from Spain for a crack at success in England.
 

With Arsenal expected to strengthen, Liverpool expected to add players and learn from last season’s short comings and the continued development of Andre Villas Boas’ Tottenham it is sure to make for a very interesting 2013/14 season in the Barclay’s Premier League.
 

How it will unfold will of course depend largely on how quickly all of the teams adjust to the big changes but for the first time in several years it feels as if all of the so called ‘big clubs’ may start the season on level footing.
 

Mourinho has the experience and the know-how when it comes to winning the Premier League but does the squad that he is inheriting possess the same quality and togetherness that his ‘old guard’ so crave?
 

United still have the players but will Moyes’ lack of experience of managing the intense pressure that comes with his new job ultimately hinder his Manchester United’s defence of their title?
 

City fell short last season, and will need to make some changes if they are to get close in the coming season. The departure of Carlos Tevez will require a RVP-esque signing to fill a void in their set up.
 

Arsenal for the first time in a number of years appear to be willing to spend a substantial amount to even think about getting close once again. But question marks will remain until the money spent starts making a return.
 

Tottenham know they must hold onto Bale whilst strengthening in key areas to continue their challenge for a place in the Champions League and beyond. Early signs appear to suggest that AVB, Levy and new DoF Baldini will be doing just that.
 

Liverpool have been busy early on but with a huge question mark still hanging over the future of talisman Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan’s future must be a priority before they can even think about pushing on and challenging.
 

All in all each of the supposed ‘top clubs’ appear to have a bit of work on over the next month or so before the new season kicks off.

One thing is for sure, it has the potential to be one of the most open and exciting Premier League seasons in recent history!

 

Watch this space.