Man City up - Arsenal down?

With players leaving Arsenal and Man City snapping up the best, what does WSL1 hold in 2014?

After a third place finish in 2013's WSL, Arsenal seem to be losing all their better players with the likes of Steph Houghton, Kim Little and Ellen White all leaving London. Arsenal's biggest names are moving on to newer pastures as Steph Houghton signs for Man City, Ellen White joins Notts County, Gemma Davison to WSL Champions Liverpool and Scotland international Kim Little leaves for Seattle Reign. The club has announced youth players signing new contracts and the retention of one of their biggest stars and one of England's brightest talent's Jordan Nobbs. But can Shelly Kerr really regain Arsenal's WSL crown having only signed England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain from Bristol so far?

Newcomers, Man City have been very busy signing talented players from everywhere. They've snatched up Everton's England duo of Jill Scott and Toni Duggan as well as Arsenal's Steph Houghton and England 'keeper Karen Bardsley from Lincoln/Notts County. Big spenders City are unlikely to stop there. They clearly look intent on challenging for the title at the first attempt and are not afraid to spend to achieve it.

Chelsea have also made big signings following their disappointing 2013 campaign, bringing in Birmingham pair Rachel Williams and Laura Bassett. These signings more than make up for the loss of Carly Telford and Helen Bleazard with Telford joining Notts County and Bleazard going to WSL2 side Yeovil.

2013 runners up Bristol Academy so far seem to be the least active after losing manager Mark Sampson to the England job and their England 'keeper Siobhan Chamberlain to Arsenal. No new faces have yet arrived at the club.

Champions Liverpool have brought in Martha Harris from Lincoln/Notts County and Arsenal's Gemma Davison as they build for the defence of their WSL crown.

I think there'll be significantly more activity among WSL 1 & 2 clubs before the new season kicks off and there'll be changes at the top. One thing's for sure, next years WSL will certainly be interesting.