Arsenal have made good strides in pre-season, but it's still not enough. It doesn't make up for a lack of varied recruitment during Arteta's reign and it most likely won't win the Gunners' first title since 2004. To put it simply: Manchester City are not the same team without Rodri.

Tottenham have opened talks with Manchester City over the potential signing of Savinho. Spurs are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after the departure of Son Heung-min to Los Angeles FC and the recent serious knee injury sustained by James Maddison.

City also believe Savinho is worth much more than a mooted price of €50m after his encouraging first year at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola tends to let players leave if they want to go – and Savinho is yet to say he does – and if City’s asking price is met and they have time to find a replacement,