THE transfer window has CLOSED after a frantic final day, with Edinson Cavani joining Man Utd, Theo Walcott returning to Southampton and Thomas Partey signing for Arsenal.
Get all the latest deals, transfer updates and gossip here…
- John Hutchinson
SOLSKJAER SPEAKS
Under-fire Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping the three players coming in can turn around a dreadful start to the season.
After being thumped 6-1 at home to Tottenham, Ed Woodward has masterminded the signings of Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Facunda Pellestri.
Wonderkid Amad Traore is set to join in January.
Speaking about Telles, Solskjaer said: “First and foremost, I welcome Alex to United.
“He is a player we have been tracking for some time and his performances over the past few years are exactly what we are looking for.
“He is a fighter and a winner and will add real determination and competition to the squad.
“Alex has the qualities, both as a player and as a person, that we want here at Manchester United.”
- John Hutchinson
WHAT NEXT FOR SPANIARDS?
Chelsea failed to get Marcos Alonso and Kepa out the door on transfer deadline day – so what next for the pair.
Well for Alonso, his days look numbered after a bust-up with boss Frank Lampard after the 3-3 draw with West Brom that saw him subbed off at half-time.
It would be a surprise if he features full stop from now on in.
Kepa's situation is somewhat different. The keeper is woefully short of confidence, but after shelling out £72m for him, the Blues might have to persevere.
He has lost his place in the team to new keeper Edouard Mendy, but is believed to be working with Blues legend Petr Cech to try and get back his form.
- John Hutchinson
EXCLUSIVE – WELBECK LEAVES WATFORD!
Danny Welbeck has been allowed to leave Watford on a free transfer … just a year after costing them £16million, reports Justin Allen.
The former Manchester United, Arsenal and England striker was earning £100,000-a-week.
But after relegation from the Premier League, the Hornets cannot afford his wages.
Welbeck, 29, had a strong end to the season after recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained in October.
It was hard for the striker to build momentum after getting injured, returning to the team in February only for that to be curtailed by the coronavirus lockdown.
But he played all nine of the Hornets’ last matches post-lockdown, producing strong performances and scoring two goals.
A number of Premier League clubs have enquired about the player and he has also attracted interest from abroad.
Welbeck wants to play top-level football and with Watford hit by relegation and no gate receipts it was decided to let him move from Vicarage Road for free.
The club paid £16m to Arsenal when they signed him last August.
- John Hutchinson
PARTEY IS A TWITTER GUNNER!
We are confident Arsenal's new signing Thomas Partey must be reading our transfer blog!
An hour after we nudged the Gunners' new £45m signing that he needed to 'update his Twitter bio', he has done just that!
And he has followed our advice for how to design it, a nice Emirates shot as the landscape. We are sure the profile pic will be him in his Arsenal shirt once he gets it ?
Nice one, Thomas.
- John Hutchinson
BARC-ING MAD
Manchester City rejected Barcelona's deadline day move for Eric Garcia and left Ronald Koeman with a defensive crisis.
The Catalan side made a late £16million move to bring the Spaniard back to his boyhood club.
Despite having just a year left on his contract, City turned down the offer and wanted £20m to let him leave.
Barca, who are facing a financial crisis due to the pandemic, could not stump up the asking price and have been forced to wait a year before landing him for nothing.
- John Hutchinson
MODERN-DAY VIEIRA
Arsenal fans are delighted that the club finally got the Thomas Partey deal over the line.
And they will be even happier with the latest comparison being made.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Tottenham and England striker Darren Bent believes the midfielder can be a 'modern Vieira'.
The Frenchman is of course regarded as one of Arsenal's best ever players, and led the club to numerous trophies over the years.
No pressure, Thomas!
- John Hutchinson
MATTER OF FAC
United fans might be forgiven for forgetting the club signed 18-year-old Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri on deadline day too.
But they will soon be fully aware of his talents, with the Manchester Evening News reporting that he will be immediately integrated into the first-team set-up.
The Penarol sensation – also a target for some of Europe's top clubs including Manchester City – is only 18 but joins in an £9million deal on a five-year contract with an option for a further year.
Pellistri follows Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Amad Traore as new faces through the door at Old Trafford on the final day of the transfer window.
- John Hutchinson
TRANSFER SHOCKER
Chelsea shipped out Ruben Loftus-Cheek on deadline day, and a few days before Ross Barkley was moved on to Aston Villa.
But according to one Blues legend, one exit will come back to haunt the club more than those.
Alan Hudson believes letting Tariq Lamptey join Brighton back in January was the wrong move. And he blames boss Lampard for the decision.
He told Caught Offside: “I look at the young lad Lamptey they sold to Brighton, who has impressed me hugely.
“I would have kept him as he is most definitely one for the future.
“He has been outstanding at Brighton since Lockdown. He’s quick at turning defence into attack, which is something Chelsea lack – real pace with quality at the end of it.
“I think Frank Lampard got this one wrong!”
- John Hutchinson
WHAT OR YOU DOING
Aston Villa fans were left stunned after the club terminated goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's contract.
But the Norwegian stayed classy and posted an emotional farewell message on social media.
Alongside a picture of him playing for Dean Smith's side, he wrote: “I would like to thank Aston Villa for fulfilling my boyhood dream of playing in the Premier League.
“Together we have shared great memories I will remember for the rest of my life, helping the club back to the where it belongs, staying up and a cup final at Wembley.
“A special mention to all the supporters for the amazing support throughout my time here.
“Best of luck for the rest of the season @avfcofficial.
“Yours, Ny ?.”
And fans were quick to tweet their confusion at the decision to axe a player who played 15 times in all competitions last season.
Ellis wrote: “Jeez, I'm a little surprised by this. All the best.”
Another added: “Certainly didn’t see that coming.
“This will go down as a strange one, especially after his heroics.”
- John Hutchinson
ARSENAL SLAMMED AGAIN
Saint Etienne have slammed Arsenal for scuppering William Saliba's return to the French club on loan.
The Ligue 1 outfit claim they had a deal lined up 'long before the transfer window closed' and blamed the Gunners for not fulfilling their admin duties in England.
A statement on the French club’s official website read: “Long before the transfer window closed, AS Saint-Etienne had reached an agreement with William Saliba and accepted Arsenal's offer for a one-season loan.
“Unfortunately, all the administrative conditions could not be met in time, in England, for the completion of the deal.
“The disappointment is great for ASSE and William Saliba, who was particularly determined to return to a club where he has flourished.”
Uh-oh. Another club FUMING with the Gunners!
- John Hutchinson
RU WILL BE BACK
Ruben Loftus-Cheek completed his loan move to Fulham – but Chelsea fans on ther whole don't want it to be 'goodbye' but more 'see you later'.
The midfielder's career at Stamford Bridge has been blighted by injury, but when he has enjoyed a decent run in the team he has impressed.
But Stamford Bridge is overloaded in the midfield – just ask Ross Barkley who completed his own loan to Aston Villa.
Blues fans are hoping Loftus-Cheek impresses with their near-neighbours and returns better for it.
- John Hutchinson
WORK TO DO, THOMAS
Now the deal has been done, Thomas Partey can get to the VERY important matter of changing up his Twitter profile.
He will need a new landscape photo, perhaps of The Emirates. Then obviosuly he needs to update that he is now an ARSENAL player.
A nice profile pic of him holding his new red and white shirt will do the job too.
Get to it, Thomas!
- John Hutchinson
TIME FOR TOM
Fikayo Tomori decided to fight it out at Chelsea – a move that seems to have delighted many Blues fans.
The young centre-half turned down a loan with West London neighbours Fulham to stick it out at Stamford Bridge.
We bet this Chelsea fan is delighted that all happened, having described the idea of loaning out the defender as a 'poor' decision originally.
Can Tomori bag himself a starting spot in the Chelsea XI? Is he good enough?
- John Hutchinson
THAT'S TELL-ING
So, Manchester United brought in two players, with one to fly in down the line.
But is that enough to sort out the mess at Old Trafford?
Edinson Cavani should lead the line with his experience and goal-laden career, and Alex Telles will leave Luke Shaw fearing for his future.
Here's Telles giving his first interview to United.
- John Hutchinson
MISSED THE PARTEY
Should Chelsea have rivalled Arsenal to sign Thomas Partey?
This Blues fan certainly thinks so.
The Ghanaian midfielder completed a £45m move to The Emirates, and Arsenal fans are ecstatic.
Chelsea shipped out Ruben Loftus-Cheek, was there space for one more?
- John Hutchinson
DIEGO DESPAIR
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is unsurprisingly 'enraged' at losing one of his best players in Thomas Partey.
The boss was powerless as Arsenal went straight in to LaLiga to meet the midfielder's release fee.
Spanish journalist David Vinuesa has told Show Sport that he was 'convinced Partey would remain part of his team'.
The move left Simeone 'angry'.
We wouldn't want to see the Argentine gaffer angry that's for sure…
- John Hutchinson
SHOULD HAVE BEEN TWO
Arsenal managed to get the Thomas Partey signing over the line… but should it have been a double midfield signing?
The Gunners were heavily linked with Houssem Aouar before the Frenchman decided to stick with Lyon.
This Arsenal fan thinks the player himself should have pushed for the move.
- John Hutchinson
SOL DESTROYING
A potential transfer of managerial power here…
Manchester United chiefs have made contact with Mauricio Pochettino as the pressure increases on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports.
The Daily Star claim Ed Woodward is not considering sacking the Norwegian during the current international break.
However, it's said Woodward wants to see a major uptick in performances or Solskjaer, 47, could be out the door.
The Sun understands United chiefs are not looking to replace Solskjaer despite the 6-1 humiliation by Spurs.
Yet the report states Pochettino is keen to make Old Trafford his new home in a surprise return to management having twice rejected Barcelona.
- John Hutchinson
CRASHED THE PARTEY
Arsenal's relationship with Atletico Madrid is 'irreparable' after the Spanish side were left furious with the last-gasp pursuit of Thomas Partey, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta and chiefs pulled off a deal for the midfielder in the final moments of deadline day after matching his £45million release clause.
Atletico stated that the paperwork was completed at 10.28pm UK time, just over half an hour before the deadline.
And The Athletic write how the La Liga club are reeling at the lack of notice made by Arsenal.
It was also claimed how La Liga made Atletico aware that Partey's release clause had been matched instead of the Gunners going directly to the club.
- John Hutchinson
RED WITH RAGE
Harry Redknapp has taken a swipe at Sergio Romero's wife following her rant, saying: “When he gets £100,000 a week, she's happy”.
The Manchester United stopper's partner, Eliana Guercio, lashed out at the club on Instagram in a bizarre deadline day post.
Guercio criticised the club's shocking treatment of her husband over the years – including ditching him for huge cup finals and not allowing him to join Everton.
But Redknapp has hit back in brutal manner, claiming Guercio is more than happy with the money coming in from his Old Trafford contract.
But an incredulous Redknapp hit back, saying it's an issue for the player and manager… not the player's wife.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp roared: “It's unbelievable… I'm sure she's not [happy].
“When he gets his £100,000 a week, she's quite happy, but other than that…
“It's scary, isn't it, really?”
- William Pugh
MONEY PARTEY
Arsenal signed Thomas Partey for £45million in a late deadline day deal.
The Ghanaian put pen to paper on a £200,000-a-week, five-year contract but he still does not make it into the top three of the Gunners' highest paid stars.
- William Pugh
IN THE FIK OF IT
Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori snubbed a loan move to West Ham just TEN MINUTES before the deadline to fight for a spot under Frank Lampard.
The two clubs had agreed to a loan fee and the division of wages – with the deal on the brink of going through.
But Tomori, 22, decided at 10.50pm he would prefer to stay and fight for a spot at Stamford Bridge.
It was a major, late blow to West Ham, who also missed out on two other top defensive targets in James Tarkowski and Antonio Rudiger.
- William Pugh
TIEMOUE TIME
Napoli have signed Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko on a season-long loan deal – the Frenchman's third club in four years.
The Chelsea flop, 26, had been chased by six clubs, including AC Milan and PSG this summer.
But Napoli have won the race after agreeing to pay a £4.5m loan fee for Bakayoko.
Chelsea had been hoping to sell the former Monaco man permanently.
Many clubs had pursued a loan deal with an obligation to buy – but balked at the Blues' asking price.
- sstreet
WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
As one window closes, another opens.
Premier League clubs who missed out on deadline day will still be able to sign players in the domestic window.
This window will stay open until Friday, October 13.
However signings can only be made from English clubs in the EFL and below and those signed will not be able to compete in the Champions League until Spring.
- Dave Fraser
GOOD MORNING, FOOTY FANS
What a hectic transfer deadline day!
Premier League clubs were busy as always, trying to get new faces through the door and for a decent portion of the league, it is critical to their £100million Premier League survival.
Fulham understood the trouble they could and potentially can be in this season, they backed manager Scott Parker signing two centre-backs Signing Joachim Anderson in on loan from Lyon and signing Tosin Adarabioyo for £8million from Manchester City.
Arsenal finally got their man Thomas Partey after a Summer of deliberating over a move for the Ghanaian international.
The release clause was eventually paid late on Monday night at the La Liga headquarters, releasing the player from his contract at Atletico Madrid.
Leeds United continued their Summer spending spree as they signed Brazilian winger Raphinha from French outfit Rennes, Raphinha was Marcelo Bielsa’s tenth signing of the summer.
Manchester United looked to soften the blow of their embarrassing 6-1 home defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham, United signed Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani, Amad Traore and Facundo Pellistri.
Solskjaer strengthened a position which was much needed, Luke Shaw wouldn’t have filled him with much confidence as he watched him chop down Lucas Moura at the weekend intentionally.
Theo Walcott made an emotional return to St Marys as he returned to Southampton on a season-long loan deal, returning to the club 15 years after he left for Arsenal as a teenager.
Everton under the reigns of Carlo Ancelotti continued their Summer of spending, signing Ben Godfrey for £20million from Norwich and signing Swedish keeper Robin Olsen on a season-long loan from AS Roma.
West Ham fell at the final hurdle to get a central defender through the doors, a deal for Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori was turned down minutes before the 11pm deadline.
Ex-Hammers boss Harry Redknapp has called for “somebody to come in and buy the club with massive money and take the club to where it could go.”
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