Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says that part of a big-club mentality involves regularly splashing out on top players.
City are nine points behind Chelsea, but victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Parkon Monday will make that six and take them above Manchester United and Arsenal.
But as the season draws to a close with the Blues comfortably in front of everyone else, the Chilean is already be thinking about the transfer market and improving his team for next season, while still aiming for a strong finish to this campaign.
“It is the way of thinking that big teams need to sign a big player,” he said. “It is very difficult to do it every year, but every two years you must do it.
“I’m not just talking about Manchester City.You see Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich – all the big clubs – they all do it. It is important to have big names.
“I think it is important for our team to finishat the top of the table but if we can’t win the Premier League then we must try to be second.
“But it is important to play from now until the end of the season in a way that shows you are an important team and are prepared to fight until the last game to try and retain the title.
“I don’t want to talk about plans for next season because we have to finish this season. It is very important the way we finish this season before we analyse all the players. So it is not the right moment to talk about it.”