According to Globo Esporte Futebol, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the top 10 clubs that invested the most in transfers during the European summer window. The Gunners spent over €227 million, with Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães being their primary reinforcement. In contrast, Chelsea ended the market with a positive balance of approximately €70 million, a first since the 2021/22 season.
The two teams have had contrasting transfer windows, with Arsenal making only four signings that required termination fee payments. Chelsea, on the other hand, invested heavily, signing 11 new players, including midfielder Morgan Rogers, for a total of over €406 million. The Blues also sold Enzo Fernández to Manchester City for €145 million on the last day of the window.
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, has been given time and resources to develop the team, which has resulted in a championship title and a Champions League runner-up finish. However, the club's transfer policy has been more focused on buying and selling players rather than building a cohesive team. Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, has undergone significant changes, with the club's owners, the BlueCo consortium, prioritizing player sales and purchases.
The match on Sunday will be a crucial test for both teams, with the Premier League title potentially on the line.