Friday 18 August 2017 11:21, UK
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has not ruled out signing more players during the final few days of the transfer window but admits he is happy with the business the club has done.
Hughes claims they are stronger now than they were at the end of last season.
Among those arriving in the Potteries on permanent deals are Darren Fletcher from West Brom and Bruno Martins Indi (Porto), while Kurt Zouma and Jese Rodriguez have joined on loan from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Travelling in the opposite direction include Jonathan Walters and Phil Bardsley, who have both moved to Burnley, as well as Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa) and Marko Arnautovic (West Ham).
Hughes said ahead of Stoke's home game with Arsenal on Saturday: "From my point of view. If we compare from where we were at the end of last season and where we are now, I believe we're much stronger.
"Of the players we've let go. There is probably only one who we would consider to be a regular starter.
"There rest were likely to be squad players and have been replaced by four or five players who probably consider themselves - and I consider them to be - regular starters.
"We've done well in the transfer window but we still have time to bring more players in."
Hughes was particularly full of praise for Jese, who earlier this week moved to the Premier League on a season-long loan deal.
He added: "I think he's at a club where he can express himself. In my view, he's an elite player.
"You don't get too many chances to bring players of that stature to the club. So enjoy it while it lasts."
And he has advised the members of his squad not to become too concerned if they have to wait a few weeks to get first-team opportunities.
He went on: "Some place huge significance on who starts the first game of the season and they think that this determines their future for the rest of the season - and I was guilty of that as a player.
"So they think, maybe I should move. But that isn't the case and you have to be patient some time."
As for the match against the Gunners at the bet365 Stadium, the only injury absentee is Julien Ngoy.
Hughes said: "We have a few bumps and bruises but we're fine. The only one is Julian Ngoy who has pulled his thigh.
"It's a nasty one and it could be a number of weeks - maybe five to six. Being the sort of explosive player he is, we have to be careful."
And Hughes remains positive, despite Stoke losing their opening game of the season 1-0 at Everton last weekend.
He explained: "In terms of an away performance we acquitted ourselves well and there were very few chances for either side.
"As a performance I was happy enough. It was a good competitive performance against a good Everton team that has invested heavily and I didn't think there was much between the sides."