The transfer window closes having, again, smashed all previous records the Premier League amassed a total spend of 835 million (twice as much as La Liga and almost four times the Budesliga) in another filthy example of capitalism. With the top seven teams all spending big (except for Tottenham) and each looking so much more formidable then last year. So I’m going to have a look at the business of the top teams and review how I think it went. An honorable mention for Stevie Bruce who really smashed it out of the park for Hull City (Tigers) this season with the signings of Ramirez, Livermore and Ben (fatty) Arfa, top ten beckons.
Arsenal, net spend £46m
In: Alexis Sánchez (Barcelona, £30m), Calum Chambers (Southampton, £16m), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle, £12m), David Ospina (Nice, £3m), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United, £16m)
Out: Bacary Sagna (Manchester City, free), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City, free), Nicklas Bendtner (released), Park Ju-young (released), Thomas Eisfeld (Fulham, undisclosed), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona, £15m), Carl Jenkinson (West Ham, loan), Chuks Aneke (Zulte-Waregem, free), Ryo Miyaichi (FC Twente, loan), Ignasi Miquel (Norwich, undisclosed)
At first glance Arsenal have done very well having upgraded in virtually every position with Sanchez potentially a World Class talent. Much maligned Danny Welbeck is very promising and offers a good alternative to an injured Giroud. Vermaelen out for 15 million was a great bit of business.
Alexis “I’ll settle for fourth place o I can live in London” Sanchez
Star signing: Alexis Sanchez
Missed Opportunity: with only six senior defenders at the club (including Monreal) were Mertesacker or Emirates hero Koscielny to pick up an injury it will be on 19 year old chambers to take up the mantle.
Value rating: 7
Excitement rating: 8
January prediction: A trolley dash for any centre-backs not cup tied in the champions league, Sokratis or Nastasic.
And That's Why I Drink... 