DEADLINE DAY did not disappoint as clubs scrambled to get last minute deals over the line.
In one of the signings of the summer, Saul Niguez is heading to Chelsea on loan after the Blues swooped for their man late in the evening.
But Atleti fans were appeased by the arrival of former favourite Antoine Griezmann, who joins from Barcelona with an obligation to buy.
Luuk De Jong was his replacement at the Nou Camp, while PSG sensationally turned down a mammoth bid from Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappe.
Tottenham were busy, bringing in Emerson Royal while Odsonne Edouard is a Premier League player after completing his move from Celtic to Crystal Palace.
Follow all of the latest transfer updates and Deadline Day reaction below…
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- Joshua Mbu
BIG MISTAKE
West Ham – despite having a rather successful transfer window – may have made a HUGE mistake by not signing Mohamed Bayo.
The 23-year-old is the latest rising star making a name for himself in France.
Bayo scored 22 goals in Ligue 2 last season, helping Clermont Foot get promoted to the top division.
And he's showing no signs of slowing down as he's scored three goals and got two assists in four league appearances.
According to Le10 Sport, the Hammers failed to match his £9million price tag and he could sign a new deal as a result.
Bayo has a similar build to Hammers star man Michail Antonio, he's incredibly strong and clinical inside the penalty area.
And with Antonio's questionable injury record, West Ham could have missed the trick with Bayo.
- Joshua Mbu
MUST WIN
Arsenal flop Shkodran Mustafi has got his career back on track after joining Spanish outfit Levante, writes CHISANGA MALATA.
The Germany international had been without a club following the expiration of his short-term contract with Schalke at the end of the 2020/21 season.
The centre-back was in talks to join Italian outfit Torino last month, although the Serie A side opted not to take a punt on the 29-year-old.
Levante promptly swooped and have subsequently handed the defender an 18-month contract at the Estadio Ciudad.
An excerpt of a club statement read: “Levante UD has reached an agreement with Shkodran Mustafi (04/17/1992, Bad Hersfeld, Germany) for the incorporation of the footballer to the ranks of the Levantine team until June 2023, with the option of one more season.”
An elated Mustafi said: “From the first moment I liked the idea of coming to Levante.”
He later added: “We are going to give everything to take the club as high as possible.”
- Joshua Mbu
CROWN JULES
Jules Kounde is reportedly fuming with his club Sevilla.
The 22-year-old was denied a transfer deadline day move to European champions Chelsea.
The Blues failed to match Sevilla's set release clause of £68.7million for the player.
The Blues had an offer of £42.8m rejected.
Kounde has reportedly not taken Sevilla’s reluctance to let him go well, with the Spanish Football Podcast reporting that he is ‘furious’ over the situation.
And he is believed to be that angry that he is even ignoring calls from Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui and director of football Monchi while on international duty this week with Les Bleus.
- Joshua Mbu
ALL AUR NOTHING
Serge Aurier is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal after leaving Tottenham, writes MARC MAYO.
Spurs terminated Aurier’s contract a year early on deadline day having failed to find a buyer during the summer transfer market.
The Ivorian defender’s next step remains to be seen but an incredible switch to his old team’s bitter rivals is said to be of interest.
Sky Sports claim the right-back has informed Arsenal of his interest as he looks to find a new club in England.
Mikel Arteta is nonetheless already well-stocked for the position having signed Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day.
The £20million Japan international will compete with Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles for a spot in the team.
- Joshua Mbu
REAL COUP
West Ham fan favourite Vladimir Coufal's representatives are unhappy over contract talks, reports say.
The Standard are reporting that the right-back's representatives have been unhappy for a while, with contract talks dragging on.
West Ham have struggled to get star man Declan Rice tied down to a new deal, and could face similar problems with starter Coufal.
The Hammers also want to offer midfield goal-scoring machine Tomas Soucek a new deal before next summer.
- Joshua Mbu
MARKET VALUE
Manchester City have the most valuable Premier League squad, followed by rivals Manchester United.
Newly promoted Watford have the least valuable side, just below Burnley.
- Chisanga Malata
UNITED STILL KEEN ON BISSOUMA
Manchester United are said to be still interested in signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Bissouma, 25,was reportedly on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's summer wishlist.
But the club never ended up making a move for the Mali international, who has also reportedly courted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool,
But The Metro claim, United could revisit their interest in the midfielder in the January transfer window.
Credit: Getty - Chisanga Malata
JACK THE LAD
England international Jack Grealish newboy has revealed he swapped for Aston Villa for Manchester City in order to increase his chances of playing for the national team.
He told IVT: "That was a massive reason.
"To be playing for England in the biggest of games I need to be playing at club level in the biggest of games, that would be the Champions League and all these type of games.
"You see the likes of Phil playing in the Champions League, in the semi-finals, the quarter-final, the final and you could see that it really did help his England career.
"So I feel like to be play at the biggest games for England I need to be doing that at club level also."
Credit: AFP - Chisanga Malata
TRANSFER LATEST
Real Madrid might bid for Kylian Mbappe AND Erling Haaland.
That's the talk from Spain amid suggestions Real could shock Manchester United, City, Chelsea and Co with a return to a "Galacticos" policy of focusing on marquee signings.
The Manc giants have been tipped to duel for Borussia Dortmund's Haaland next summer.
And Real were expected to come back in for PSG speedster Mbappe in January.
But now it's claimed they could pursue BOTH of the world's most wanted young finishers.
Meanwhile, France centre-back Jules Kounde is reportedly furious Sevilla blocked a deadline move to Chelsea.
And it's understood Serge Aurier would consider joining Arsenal after his Tottenham contract was terminated.
Gary Neville believes Daniel James' £25million switch from Manchester United to Leeds is "win win" for all concerned.
United legend Nev said: “He’ll suit the way they play with such pace on the counter-attack. He’ll love it there.
“It’s a good thing for United to get the money they did, and good for Dan to further his career at a good club.”
- Ian Tuckey
CEDRIC FIGHTS FOR ARSENAL FUTURE
Portugal right-back Cedric Soares is determined to stay at Arsenal next season, according to football.london.
Fenerbahce were linked with the former Southampton star before the transfer window closed for Prem clubs on Tuesday night.
The Turkish deadline is not until next Wednesday, September 8.
But it’s claimed the 30-year-old hopes to establish hjimself in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
- Ian Tuckey
FROWN JULES
Jules Kounde is fuming Sevilla blocked his move to Chelsea, Spanish reports suggest.
The 22-year-old emerged as the No1 defensive target for Thomas Tuchel as the Champions League holders lodged an offer for the French international.
Credit: AFP The star made it clear that he wanted to leave Sevilla but the LaLiga side refused to let him go on the cheap.
The Blues had an offer of £42.8m rejected as the Spanish club slapped an £68.5m asking price on his head.
Chelsea were expected to make another move for him on deadline day but that failed to materialise on Tuesday.
Kounde has reportedly not taken Sevilla’s reluctance to let him go well, with the Spanish Football Podcast reporting that he is ‘furious’ over the situation.
And he is believed to be that angry that he is even ignoring calls from Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui and director of football Monchi while on international duty this week with Les Bleus.
Monchi has spoken openly about the speculation, claiming earlier this week: “Most of [the approaches were] rejected by the player himself but there was a club that he liked, which was Chelsea."
- Ian Tuckey
REAL COULD BID FOR MBAPPE AND ERLING
Real Madrid will consider bidding for BOTH Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, reports in Spain claim.
The LaLiga giants are already tipped to come back in for PSG's France striker Mbappe in January.
But it was thought Manchester City and United, plus possibly Chelsea, would lead the hunt for Borussia Dortmund's supreme finisher Haaland.
Marca, though, suggest Real believe they will be in a position to bring back their "Galactico" policy of mega marquee signings.
NINTCHDBPICT000676688348Credit: AFP - Ian Tuckey
WOLVES PONDERED OLI BID
Wolves looked into a deadline day move for Sheffield United striker Oliver McBurnie but ultimately ran out of time, The Telegraph claimed.
They were also interested in Kieffer Moore but gave up on the Wales striker after Cardiff demanded more than £7million for the striker.
Cardiff wanted £12million, much more than Wolves were looking to pay, and they then ran out of time to make a deal for McBurnie happen.
Wolves have been linked to McBurnie since Nuno Espirito Santo was in charge, but failed to get close to a deal this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
FOREST SNAP UP ROD
Nottingham Forest today made ex-AC Milan centre-back Rodrigo Ely their tenth signing as they attempt to escape bottom place in the Championship.
Thje former Italy Under-20 and Brazil U-23 star, 27, arrived from Spanish top-flight side Alaves.
- Ian Tuckey
‘RON TOLD ME A MONTH AGO HE’D JOIN UTD’
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov claims Cristiano Ronaldo told him he was returning to Manchester United ‘a MONTH ago’.
Ron, 36, completed a stunning move to Old Trafford from Juventus on deadline day.
And he is now set to make his second Man Utd debut in front of a raucous home crowd against Newcastle on September 11.
The nature of the transfer shocked many in the game, with Ronaldo instead linked with United’s fierce rivals Man City.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opened the door for Ronaldo at his press conference last week.
And on the same day United revealed they had agreed a deal for the Portugal legend to return home.
However, close friend Khabib was not surprised by the transfer.
The Russian MMA icon says he was informed by Ronaldo himself about a Man Utd move a month ago.
- Ian Tuckey
TOB GUN?
Tobin Heath could be set for a stunning switch to Arsenal following her impressive single season at Manchester United, writes SANDRA BROBBEY.
Telegraph Sport claims the North London giants are close to signing the two-time World Cup winner who is currently a free agent.
And it is reported discussions around a two-year deal between the club and the USA superstar, 33, have been productive.
It is thought the winger is a big supporter of Arsenal.
And the American’s move on a free transfer means she does not have to complete the deal the before the midnight deadline for WSL transfers involving overseas players.
Heath, who has 177 USA international caps, won plaudits for her performances for United during their league campaign last season.
The versatile forward, who began her senior career with the New Jersey Wildcats, netted four goals in eight top-flight appearances for Man United last season.
And one of her most memorable efforts was a thumping top corner strike against Man City which helped her side earn a valuable draw in the league against their neighbours.
However, an injury to Heath’s ankle in January saw her sidelined.
- Ian Tuckey
SERGE ACROSS NORTH LONDON?
Serge Aurier is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal after leaving Tottenham.
The Premier League club terminated Aurier's contract earlier this week having failed to find a buyer during the summer transfer market.
The Ivorian defender's next step remains to be seen but a switch to his old team's bitter rivals is said to be of interest.
Sky Sports claim the right-back has informed Arsenal of his interest as he looks to find a new club in England.
Mikel Arteta is nonetheless already well-stocked for the position having signed Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day.
The £20million Japan international will compete with Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles for a spot in the team.
Hector Bellerin left for Real Betis on loan having also been put up for sale by his club.
Aurier was speculatively linked with Real Madrid and AC Milan early in the summer window, after speaking publicly of his hope to move.
- Ian Tuckey
JAMES MAKES RARE PROFIT FOR UTD
Manchester Unitef made a £10million profit after selling Dan James to rivals Leeds United for an initial £25m on deadline day.
The Wales international, 23, is just the fifth player the Red Devils have made money on in the last decade.
Man Utd signed James from Swansea City for an initial £15m in July 2019 but have gone on to make their money back after their recent sale.
Fans will be surprised to find out the club also made a profit from selling flop Alexander Buttner to Dynamo Moscow in June 2014.
United signed the left-back from Dutch side Vitesse for £4m two years earlier and sold him for a reported £5.6m.
Buttner managed just 13 unconvincing Premier League appearances and is yet to get another chance at a big club.
Another surprise profit was Daley Blind, signed from Ajax for £14m in August 2014 before featuring 90 times in the Prem.
Blind was flogged back to his former side four years later, with United making up to £4.5m from the shrewd sale.
- Ian Tuckey
SOARES ‘KEEN TO STAY’
Portugal right-back Cedric Soares is determined to stay at Arsenal next season, according to football.london.
Fenerbahce were linked with the former Southampton star before the transfer window closed for Prem clubs on Tuesday night.
The Turkish deadline is not until next Wednesday, September 8.
But it’s claimed the 30-year-old hopes to establish hjimself in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
- Ian Tuckey
SPURS AND GUNNERS RAISE £220K
London’s Premier League rivals raised over £220,000 for charity with their pre-season Mind Series matches.
With summer tours off the agenda for Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea this year, the trio squared off against each other to help raise money for the mental health organisation.
The tournament was a big success with £228,064 raised for Mind, as well as the three club’s own charitable foundations.
Players also partook in mental health awareness sessions to help engage fans in supporting those around them.
Eric Dier, Christian Pulisic and Rob Holding spoke on a video call with young supporters who use Mind’s services.
Paul Farmer, Chief executive of Mind, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support shown by the fans, players and staff alike over the course of The Mind Series.
“We know how powerful a platform football can be to create change and having the backing of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to help us put a spotlight on mental health has been invaluable.
“Alongside the awareness raised, the Series has also surpassed all our expectations in the amount of funds it has raised for our vital local and national services.
“At a national level, funds raised will help support our Infoline and other advice services which have been inundated with enquiries since the pandemic began.”
- Ian Tuckey
PREM DOMINATE EURO SPENDING
Premier League clubs have blown their European counterparts away in the spending stakes post-Covid.
A new CIES Football Observatory study has detailed how England’s big boys have spent lavishly on new players in comparison to those in LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
That is despite the coronavirus pandemic crippling their revenues.
In total, the net spent was just over £1.6billion in the three pandemic transfer windows with Serie A (£255m) the closest to follow the Prem.
Manchester United, who secured the return of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo this week, topped the spending charts with a net outlay of £187m during that period.
France’s Ligue 1 (£109m) and Germany’s Bundesliga (£6.8m) both only made tiny net spends in comparison – with Spain’s LaLiga incredibly even making a net profit of £171m.
The dominance of the Premier League is largely down to the huge outlay by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United.
The Red Devils boast the biggest net spend having splashed the cash to bring in the likes of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Ronaldo this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
PREM SQUADS VALUED
Arsenal may have spent the most in the summer transfer market but their splurge has left them with only the seventh most-valuable squad.
Mikel Arteta's side pumped £121million into the window, signing the likes of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard.
But figures from trusted aggregator Transfermarkt show the Gunners' squad value is still only just above that of Everton, who spent barely a penny.
Leading the way having broken the British transfer record are Manchester City, with a set of stars pushing towards the £1billion mark.
Jack Grealish's arrival was offset by the sales of Lukas Nmecha, Jack Harrison and Ivan Ilic, while Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia left for free.
Remarkably, the defending champions are worth almost £100m more than second-placed Manchester United despite having SIX fewer players.
The Red Devils' 28-strong squad tallies up to £843.5m, which includes the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo and his £40m 'worth' – double what the club paid for the goalscoring sensation.
Chelsea and Liverpool can barely be split at just above £790m in third and fourth respectively, before a £150m-plus drop to Tottenham in fifth.
- Ian Tuckey
TITLE PRESSURE IS ALL RON UTD NOW
Joe Cole insists all the pressure is RON Manchester United to win the Prem now that Cristiano Ronaldo is back.
Having extolled Ron’s virtues – as in our last post below – ex-Liverpool playmaker Cole believes United’s squad now has the all-round ability to challenge champs Man City.
Credit: Getty Coral ambassador Cole said: “If it wasn’t clear before, United will know now that the Premier League title is a must win for this group of players.
“I thought they had strengthened their squad well already but with Ronaldo adding to the quality they have brought through the door, they have to go and win it.”
But Coral still list United ‘only’ 9-2 joint third favourties with Liverpool for the title.
City are out on their own at 6-5, followed by 13-5 bets Chelsea.
- Ian Tuckey
COLE: MAN UTD BIGGEST CLUB IN ENGLAND AGAIN
Manchester United MUST win the Prem as Cristiano Ronaldo’s return finally makes them England’s biggest club again, Joe Cole claims.
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Cole rates capturing five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ron from Juventus a “stroke of genius”.
The ambassador for bookie Coral said: “Manchester United are now back front and centre as the biggest club in the country after signing Ronaldo.
“They have the biggest player in the league, with the biggest global reach, playing for them.
“It is a stroke of genius to bring him back to Old Trafford.”
- Ian Tuckey
DROGBA TROLLS GUNNERS OVER WILLIAN
It would have been Mission: Impossible for outgoing wideman Willian to transform Arsenal single-handedly.
But Chelsea legend Didier Drogba could not resist the ultimate dig after the former Blues superstar exited the Emirates for home-country club Corinthians on deadline day.
Drogba tweeted: “Thank you agent Willian, your mission is over” – along with a picture of Arsenal propping up the Prem table.
And his mischief went further as he added two other ex-Chelsea players who made the switch to the Gunners.
But David Luiz and Petr Cech achieved far more at Arsenal than Willian – with the latter now back at Stamford Bridge as an advisor.
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