An established elite can still be intriguing.

Nobody expects a team from outside the accepted top five Barclays Premier League sides to annex the title, but there is no certainty about which of those particular clubs will be dominant. Periods of continuity have imposed themselves on the power struggle, but the approaching campaign already has too many fresh developments to assume that the old routines will be observed among the leading group.

The Premier League trophy has tended to reside in Manchester. Between the city's two clubs, 14 titles have been amassed during the competition's 21 years. In all but one of the other occasions – when Blackburn Rovers were briefly triumphant in 1995 – the prize has been taken by a London club. The dominance is even more pronounced in recent years, with only Chelsea interrupting Manchester's run of success in the past seven years.

Sir Alex Ferguson skews the analysis, since his reign at Old Trafford has to be considered exceptional. All the riches available at Manchester City and Chelsea could not decisively unseat Ferguson, and his mastery of the job allowed him to leave on his own terms by announcing his retirement. Even so, the two Manchester clubs have undeniably strengthened their grip on the English game during the past three years. At times, it was as if they were indulging in a private struggle. Decline was a factor, with Arsenal gradually withdrawing from the power and grace that defined Arsene Wenger's title-winning sides to a team with a more whimsical nature.

Since Jose Mourinho departed Stamford Bridge in 2007, Chelsea have lurched from one manager to another, with varying degrees of success. Only Tottenham Hotspur have been progressing, and they were momentarily thought of as title contenders two seasons ago, although the lack of a top-class striker has been as obvious as it has been debilitating.

The competitive dynamic now seems less entrenched. Three managerial appointments would naturally cast some doubt into the hierarchy, but the return of Mourinho to Stamford Bridge is hardly a step into the unknown. It is in Manchester that uncertainty abounds. David Moyes is a time-served and impressive manager, but the task of succeeding Ferguson is intimidating and there will be periods of upheaval. Manuel Pellegrini is new to English football, let alone Manchester City, although he is surrounded by executives who can empathise in Txiki Begiristain, the sporting director, and Ferran Soriano, the chief executive officer, all three having previously worked in the Spanish league.

Individuals will need to become accustomed to new ways of working. It will be a long season, and lost ground can be recovered, but the challenge might be for Manchester to regain its status, rather than for London to take control. Mourinho will ensure that a brash authority, and relentless endeavour, returns to Chelsea. Even after a decade of ownership, Roman Abramovich has not grown weary of spending emphatically and a bid for Napoli's Edinson Cavani could reach £54m before a deal for the striker is completed. Paris St-Germain offered £43m yesterday and the posturing will be fierce. With Andre Schuerrle, the German forward, having already arrived, the morose figure of Fernando Torres is likely to depart.

It is conceivable that Chelsea will be immediately robust. Mourinho cannot impose wholesale changes, but there is plenty of world-class talent already in place and a change in mindset might be enough to galvanise the squad. The scope of the work at Arsenal is more daunting. Wenger remains a trusted manager, but restlessness grew among the supporters last season. A survey of fans during the summer revealed misgivings about Stan Kroenke's ownership and this seems like a defining summer.

Arsenal have money to spend, and the recruitment policy needs to be bold at a club that has not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005. Wayne Rooney has been linked to Chelsea and Arsenal, but it is the latter that would be more uplifted by his arrival from Old Trafford. A sense of purpose needs to be revived when Arsenal were left celebrating a run of victories late in the season to secure fourth place, even if it was from their rivals, Spurs. Potential moves for Gonzalo Higuain, Julio Cesar, Marouane Fellaini and Lars Bender hold promise, although Bayer Leverkusen have insisted that the latter is not for sale.

Spurs have acted decisively, appointing Franco Baldini as technical director and signing Brazilian international midfielder Paulinho. The intention is to recruit five leading players, while offloading around 10. That kind of upheaval can be disarming, but, in truth, Spurs are embarking on the process of upgrading rather than wholesale changes. They are the outsiders among the leading five, but the pursuit of David Villa and Roberto Soldado tells of a pressing ambition. Retaining the services of Gareth Bale would be a further sign of intent.

The potential is for a shift in power. That alone promises that the coming season could be gloriously competitive.