With the 2016/17 Fantasy Premier League game now launched, the summer’s transfer activity has already handed managers an array of new talent to consider.
These arrivals have created a burgeoning cast of potential targets, resulting in an early selection headache – particularly in attacking areas.
Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (£11.5m FWD) stands out as the summer’s marquee signing to this point.
Reunited with Jose Mourinho following a successful stint together at Inter Milan, the Sweden striker racked up 38 goals and 13 assists in 31 league outings for Paris Saint-Germain last season.
Those statistics alone ensure that Ibrahimovic will be a hugely popular FPL target, regardless of his lofty price tag.
The clamour for United’s new striker creates a dilemma; combined with the obvious allure of Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (£13.0m FWD), Fantasy managers will be driven to invest heavily up front.
That could possibly see even Harry Kane (£11.0m FWD) and Jamie Vardy (£10.0m FWD) register comparatively low ownership heading into the season.
Chelsea's capture of Michy Batshuayi (£9.0m FWD) also forces a re-assessment of options in attack.
Antonio Conte’s first signing as the Blues’ manager arrives on the back of 17 goals and seven assists for Marseille in Ligue 1 last season and could be unleashed as part of a devastating strike force alongside a potentially galvanised Diego Costa (£9.5m).
Man Utd’s re-building programme under Mourinho has also brought Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£9.5m MID) to Old Trafford, offering an exciting new option in midfield.
The Armenia international arrives in sensational form, having delivered 16 goals and 15 assists in 37 domestic matches for Borussia Dortmund in 2015/16.
Mkhitaryan will be another name to turn heads in pre-season, attracting transfer traffic away from established names such as Mesut Ozil (£9.5m MID), Dimitri Payet (£9.5m MID) and Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m MID).
Manchester City’s own summer acquisition, Spanish winger Nolito (£9.0m MID) is another candidate to consider in that bracket.
Snapped up from Celta Vigo as part of Pep Guardiola’s restructuring, Nolito claimed 12 goals and nine assists in LaLiga last term.
Such illustrious new talent will doubtless play a major part in the season ahead.
Fantasy managers must now consider whether to allow their heads to be turned, or look to proven Premier League talent as the basis of their squads.
Register your team on fantasy.premierleague.com before 11:30 BST on Saturday 13 August 2016.
