Which Champions League contenders are having the best transfer window?

There have been some big moves this summer and we are not even into August. The continent’s most prestigious sides have spared no expense in their attempt to usurp Champions League winners Real Madrid. The Spanish champions beat Liverpool in the final in Paris in May to secure their third Champions League title in six years. With their rivals strengthening, they have wasted no time in adding to their squad.

The big-money arrival comes in the form of Aurélien Tchouaméni, the 22-year-old Frenchman who joins from Monaco. Real Madrid are preparing to usher out the old guard in their midfield. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are all in their 30s, so bedding in a new generation is vital. With Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga already at the club and Tchouaméni signed for €100m, Carlo Ancelotti has the bulk of Real Madrid’s next midfield in place.

Antonio Rüdiger swells the squad’s defensive ranks, having joined on a free transfer. Chelsea were understandably keen to keep Rüdiger, but they were restricted by the financial sanctions put in place during Roman Abramovich’s time at the club. The 29-year-old is one of the finest centre-backs in the game and he will provide additional cover and competition for David Alaba and Éder Militão in the heart of the defence.

Rüdiger is not the only high-profile centre-back who has left Chelsea for Spain this summer, with Andreas Christensen moving to Barcelona. Having finished 13 points behind their fierce rivals last season, Barcelona are on a mission. Xavi’s appointment in November brought some much-needed stability to Camp Nou and the board have been more than willing to back him in the transfer market.

Despite their financial issues, Barcelona have been busy this summer.