Last summer, now-former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini bemoaned the lack of new signings at Etihad Stadium and reflected that it was the club's failure in landing key targets why they did not retain the title. The Italian, so he claimed at the time, was close to signing Robin van Persie - who instead ended up at fierce rivals United - which made all the difference, according to Mancini. The Citizens also failed in their efforts to land the likes of Daniele De Rossi and Eden Hazard 12 months ago, and ultimately, it was the lack of new blood at the club that saw them finish a whole 11 points adrift of first place last term. This summer however is a different story with Mancini gone after his failings in the FA Cup and Manuel Pellegrini appointed in his place, and the Chilean wasted no time at all in bringing in new talent. We'd barely entered the month of June when Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho arrived for £30 million and the big-spending continued as Pellegrini went on to spend a further £60 million. Six new faces have joined the 2011-12 Premier League champions but which of them stand out the most? Click "Next" to find out.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
