We also have to be careful, however, as our major title contenders have all signed reinforcements, while we've lost our back up GK and starting RB on free's to a rival and annoying challenger.
Yes that's true. We need to make our signings count or we're going backwards.
Although if look at the others so far...
Liverpool simply have to sign 4-5 or more players to even approach the type of depth you need to play Champions League, and despite their good early signings their first eleven will still be weaker than last season with Suarez leaving.
ManU need a right good overhaul, and they've started, but their signings are expensive and risky ones for me - these are relatively un-tested players for the premier league. Plus both so far were failed signings from last season - how much say is van Gaal getting? They may get Vermaelen from us but for me that's not making them stronger, certainly not than when they had Ferdinand/Vidic, that's for sure.
Man City have added depth so far in Fernando and Sagna, but I'd argue that neither will make their first eleven so we're looking at the same set-up next season, except Toure is all grumpy and sulky now, and Aguero seems to be injury-prone.
Chelsea to me are looking very strong having added Costa and Fabregas, although there are still question marks over Costa - last season was the first in his career where he scored more than 10 league goals... seems an odd stat for a striker with his kind of reputation...
If we get Debuchy and Sanchez over the line, and also get a decent GK and replace Vermaelen if he leaves, then I'd say we're not being overtaken by anybody and should be able to challenge for the title again. However if we sign a DMF as well, I reckon that would put us up there with the strongest squad in the EPL, alongside Man City and Chelsea.