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There is no denying that the Premier League is the biggest league in the world, in terms of the revenue it generates, its popularity and its general competitiveness.
As a result, the Premier League tends to attract some of the best players in the world, who can choose a plethora of clubs to ply their trade at. Most of the clubs in the Premier League can afford to pay big transfer fees to land big-name players and can also offer them high wages.
With clubs like Crystal Palace able to hold on to talents like Wilfried Zaha or Wolverhampton Wanderers spending big on an 18-year old striker, Premier League clubs operate at a level other football leagues across the continent can only dream of.
Five Premier League clubs with the highest wage bill
While big spending does not necessarily guarantee success at all times, the resurgence of Liverpool as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League and beyond is something to be noted.
On that note, let us take a look at the five Premier League clubs with the highest wage bill in the competition.
#5 Liverpool - £93.8 million
One of the best teams in Europe right now, Liverpool have enjoyed phenomenal success under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp.
While they have not been afraid of spending big when needed, acquiring players like Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk by paying the big bucks, Liverpool have also found success in unearthing hidden gems: left-back Andrew Robertson and centre-back Joe Gomez are glowing examples of Liverpool's ability to find such talents.
Having brought Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas in the summer, Liverpool's wages have understandably gone up.
Key players of the team like Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino as well as centre-back Virgil van Dijk and captain Jordan Henderson are all high earners at the club.
#4 Arsenal - £117.8 million
While Arsenal may not be at their very best right now, they have not shied away from splurging money on making big-money transfers and high wages over the years.
Midfielder Mesut Ozil, who has not been included in any of Arsenal's squads this season, is the club's highest earner and also one of the highest earners in the Premier League. Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who signed a new contract in the summer, isn't too far behind.
Summer signings like Willian and Thomas Partey are also on high wages. With Arsenal still finding its feet under Mikel Arteta, its wage bill could rise if the club finds success.
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#3 Manchester City - £128.4 million
There were Financial Fair Play issues with Manchester City during the summer, but they are now a thing of the past.
Manchester City have often been accused of spending extravagantly. They have some of the best players in the Premier League like midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and attackers Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero.
These three also happen to be among the top earners at the club.
City did not enjoy the best of transfer windows this summer. They bought centre-backs Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, as well as winger Ferran Torres.
City were strongly linked with Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Had that move gone through, it would have seen City take top place in this list.
#2 Chelsea - £128.5 million
Chelsea were extremely busy in the transfer window gone by, strengthening their squad after last season's transfer window ban.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is among their highest earners, but his performances have seen him drop down the pecking order, with new signing Edouard Mendy taking his place.
German striker Timo Werner and left-back Ben Chilwell, both summer acquisitions, are also on high wages at the club.
With young talents like Kai Havertz, Reece James and Mason Mount in the squad, there is a high chance that Chelsea's wage bill could only increase as and when player contracts come up for renewals.
The club has also been linked with West Ham United's midfield lynchpin in Declan Rice, who won't come cheap either.
#1 Manchester United - £159.6 million
Manchester United have the highest wage bill in the Premier League, eclipsing Chelsea by some margin.
Their performances this season have left much to be desired, but the Red Devils have some expensive stars in their books. Goalkeeper David de Gea is their highest earner, closely followed by midfielder Paul Pogba.
However, both players' performances have come under intense scrutiny in recent months.
Captain and centre-back Harry Maguire as well as young attackers Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford figure high in the list as well.
However, to justify their heavy expenditure, Manchester United have to become more consistent and start performing at their very best.
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