Premier League clubs demonstrated their awesome financial power during the summer transfer window, spending more than GBP3 billion ($4 billion) on new signings.

The English top division has long enjoyed a competitive economic advantage over rival European leagues thanks to far more lucrative television contracts for both domestic and international rights.

The expansion of UEFA's European competitions has supercharged spending, with a record nine English teams involved in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League this season.

Another consequence of the Premier League's financial power is the growing gulf between clubs in the top division and those in the second-tier Championship.

For the past two seasons all three promoted sides have gone straight back down, provoking a more proactive approach from Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley.

AFP Sport looks at the reasons behind the Premier League's record window, which closed on Monday.

Last season's top two sides, Liverpool and Arsenal, have spent big as they gear up for........

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