Manchester United have completed the signing of winger Antony from Ajax in a huge £82million switch on transfer deadline day, while Chelsea have agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign former Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
(Original article published 1 September 2022)
With the transfer window closing at 23:00, Premier League clubs have been busy completing deals and looking for late additions to their squads on Thursday.
United have wrapped up one of the biggest moves of the summer with the arrival of Antony from Ajax for a huge initial outlay of £82million.
The deal, which includes a potential £4.3m in add-ons, is the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history and the 22-year-old, who has signed a five-year contract, is relishing the chance to play for the Red Devils, who are 13/5 to finish in the top four this season.
'Incredible moment'
"This is an incredible moment in my career to join one of the most iconic clubs in the world," the Brazilian forward said. "I'm thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.
"Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester."
United have also drafted in goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan from Newcastle United to act as back-up to first-choice David de Gea.
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Aubameyang heading back to Premier League
Chelsea are expected to bring Aubameyang back to the Premier League, with the Blues set to pay Barcelona in the region of £10m plus Marcos Alonso for the former Gunners forward.
Aubameyang moved to Barca on a free from Arsenal in January after falling out with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, having scored 92 goals for Arsenal in 163 appearances and he hit 13 for Barca from just 24 games.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel knows the Gabon international well from their time together at Borussia Dortmund, when he scored 79 goals under him in two seasons and he will bolster a Chelsea squad who lost 2-1 to Southampton on Tuesday and who are 1/1 to land a top-four place this term.
City bring in Swiss defender
In other deals announced on deadline day, Manchester City have signed Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji on a five-year contract, former Arsenal and Chelsea forward Willian has joined Fulham on a one-year deal after leaving Corinthians and Everton have re-signed midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Paris Saint-Germain for a nominal fee.
Fulham have also brought in full-back Layvin Kurzawa on loan from PSG and Nottingham Forest's extensive summer spending spree has continued with Ivory Coast defender Willy Boly joining from Wolves, while Blackpool winger Josh Bowler is also expected to make the move to the City Ground.
Forest are attempting to stay up this season and are 8/11 not to be relegated in their first campaign back in the top-flight since 1999.
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Foxes move to replace Fofana
Leicester City have signed defender Wout Faes from French club Reims for an undisclosed fee, the 24-year-old being seen as a direct replacement for Wesley Fofana, who joined Chelsea for around £70m earlier this week.
Bournemouth have brought in Southampton centre-back Jack Stephens on a season-long loan, Aston Villa have agreed a £13m deal to sign Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker, while Villa also likely to wrap up a loan deal for Southampton defender Jan Bednarek.
There could be a lot of late drama on deadline day with plenty more moves in the pipeline, including a possible £25million switch to Arsenal for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, while Liverpool are thought to be close to landing Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan.
Leeds United winger Daniel James is expected to join Fulham on loan, Duje Caleta-Car is poised to complete a £10million move from Marseille to Southampton and Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour is tipped to sign for Brighton.
