While the Covid-19 pandemic and loss in revenue for Premier League clubs has certainly lead to a decrease in spending, activity is undoubtedly picking up, while a number of teams remain in the market for new arrivals. So, let’s take a look at what we can expect to see in the coming weeks, with top-flight clubs having until 11 pm on Monday 5th October to complete deals.
When it comes to transfers so far this summer, there is only one place to start, Chelsea. Having been restricted due to a transfer ban last summer, Frank Lampard has been quick to make up for lost time, adding a host of players to his squad.
Deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner were wrapped up before the end of the 19/20 campaign, while both Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr arrived on free transfers. Full-back Ben Chilwell is the latest signing in the Blues summer spree, having joined from Leicester City for around £45 million. However, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice having heavily been linked with switches to Stamford Bridge also, it could well be that Roman Abramovich has to get his cheque book out once more.
Meanwhile, despite having beaten Chelsea to third spot in the Premier League table on the final day of last season, Manchester United have so far failed to make progress on their top targets, with it now appearing unlikely that Jadon Sancho will arrive from Dortmund.
There has reportedly been issues with agent fees, something in which United have been on the wrong end of in the past, especially when Paul Pogba returned to the club from Juventus in 2016.
Elsewhere for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, long time target van de Beek is set to join, with the Ajax midfielder being left out of a pre-season fixture for the Dutch team. With United looking to add to their squad depth, the midfielder, who can play in a number of different roles, could well be a wise investment.
United are one of a number of clubs to be linked with Bayern Munich’s Thiago, with the former Barcelona man thought to be eyeing a move to the Premier League after achieving everything in Germany. Arsenal and Liverpool are stuck in a competition for the recent CL winner, with a fee of just €30 potentially making him the bargain of the summer. The Gunners have already signed Willian from London rivals Chelsea, while a move for Lille defender Gabriel appears imminent too, however, tying down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new deal will be their most important piece of business.
The biggest deal of the transfer window could well be yet to take place, with the future of a certain Lionel Messi being a major talking point. The Barcelona star has stated his desire for a new challenge, with Manchester City being the firm favourites, in a move that would see Messi team up once again with Pep Guardiola. Top UK Betting apps have marked city as the favourites to win next year – mainly due to their spending power this summer, with the Citizens having already added Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake to their ranks.
It promises to be a relatively quiet window for champions Liverpool, who signed Greek international Kostas Tsimikas earlier this month, who will likely act as back-up to Andrew Robertson. It remains to be seen as to whether their penalty defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield will lead to manager Jurgen Klopp having a rethink regarding transfers.
Premier League newcomers Leeds United, West Brom and Fulham are likely to make further moves as they look to give themselves the best chance of staying up, with Marcelo Bielsa having already broken his sides transfer record by bringing in Spanish international striker Rodrigo from Valencia.
The total spend of Premier League clubs will almost certainly be down on previous years, however, with competition for places being as fierce as ever, clubs who fail to invest risk missing out on achieving their goals for the season. Be sure to keep a close eye on the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with deals set to be finalised on a daily basis up until its closure.
