Premier League clubs are breaking transfer records, spending more than £2.6bn. But where is your club strong or weak?

Premier League clubs set a historic spending record in the summer transfer window, with net investment analysis showing Manchester United and Arsenal strengthening their attacking options while Bournemouth were hit with a weakened defence.

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The Between the Lines project examines the distribution of Premier League clubs' transfer budgets during the record summer window.

The Premier League has seen an unprecedented summer transfer period, with clubs spending topping £2.6bn.

Eberechi Eze's move from Crystal Palace to Arsenal a week before the market closed sealed a new league record.

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How were the investments distributed? Analysis of net expenses allows us to identify the clubs' priorities in strengthening their squad and problem areas.

Attack Focus

Around 54% of the £1.4bn budget was spent on forwards, £850m more than other positions, while defenders cost £547m.

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These figures reflect a strategic focus on attacking potential, particularly among top clubs looking to improve their scoring output.

Key acquisitions include Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiecke, Benjamin Cesc and Joao Pedro, with the potential transfer of Alexander Isak potentially increasing overall spending.

Net spend, which takes into account sales revenue, highlights the scale of investment by the top teams, with Manchester United leading the way, spending £207.5m on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Cesc, despite the loan of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona.

Arsenal invested £180.5m in attacking reinforcements with the signings of Eze, Noni Madueke and Diokeres, while Chelsea cut their net spend to £55m with the sales of Madueke and Joao Felix after signing four strikers.

Crystal Palace and West Ham have both seen their attacking sides weakened, with the former losing £67.5m following Eze's departure and the latter yet to make up for the loss of Mohamed Kudus.

Investing in midfield: leaders and outsiders

Arsenal topped the net spend on midfielders (£66m) after adding Martin Zubimendi in midfield for £51m. Everton and Sunderland were the next highest, while Aston Villa lost £43m after selling Jacob Ramsey.

Manchester United remain short of midfielders but pundits including Gary Neville are urging them to strengthen the area.

Bournemouth's defence in doubt

Bournemouth have made a £98m profit from selling three key defenders, but despite signing Diakite and Truffert, the club are showing vulnerabilities at the back, as defeats to Chelsea and Wolves have shown.

West Ham have emerged as surprise frontrunners to bolster their defence with the signings of Todibo and Diouf, while Liverpool are second but could step up their pursuit of Marc Guehi.

Burnley have been the worst spenders on goalkeepers after selling goalkeeper James Trafford.