Given the stark contrast between Arsene Wenger and the man who had constructed the Arsenal team, the Frenchman took over, changes were inevitable at Highbury. Nevertheless the scale and speed of transformation at the north London club has been dramatic, with half of those expected to be first team regulars during this season's campaign still plying their trade in Europe at the start of the summer.

Wenger now appears to have the talent at his disposal to win the title but Ian Wright's form is, as ever, unpredictable, while the ability of Marc Overmars and the other new stars to click from the outset remains to be seen. With talent like Patrick Vieira (pictured), David Seaman and Dennis Bergkamp to build on, however, the former Monaco coach may just be the man to steal his old pal Alex Ferguson's glory.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

In: Marc Overmars (from Ajax) £7million, Matthew Upson (from Luton) £1.5 million, Luis Boa Morte (from Sporting Lisbon) £1.75 million, Emmanuel Petit (from Monaco) £3.5million, Gilles Grimandi (from Monaco) £1.5 million, Alexander Manninger (from Casino Graz) undisclosed, Alberto Mendez Rodriguez (from FC Feucht, Germany) £250,000, Jehed Muntasser (from Pro Sesto) undisclosed, Richard Hughes (from Atlanta) free.

Out: Paul Merson (to Middlesbrough) £4.5 million, Matthew Rose (to QPR) £500,000, Lee Harper (to QPR) £250,000, Adrian Clark (to Southend), free.

Last Season: Third. FA Cup: Fourth round. Coca-Cola Cup: Fourth round.

UEFA Cup: First round.

Betting: 9 to 2.