Premier League deadline day: done deals and failed bids

A look at the players who were signed before the window closed and the ones who got away

Mateo Kovacic Chelsea transfer news
Mateo Kovacic’s loan from Real Madrid to Chelsea was confirmed on deadline day
(Image credit: chelseafc.com)

The summer transfer window is now closed and on reflection the biggest news stories have been about the deals that did not happen rather than the ones that were squeezed through before 5pm today.

Yesterday there was plenty of action at Chelsea with new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga replacing Thibaut Courtois. Kepa signed for a record £71.6m from Athletic Bilbao while Courtois moved to Real Madrid for £35m.

The deadline has now passed to sign players, but Premier League sides can still sell to international clubs. The transfer deadline in Scotland, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, Belgium and Turkey is 31 August. Sweden’s window closes on 11 August, Italy on 18 August, and Holland on 3 September.

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At 5.30pm Sky Sports reported that the Premier League is processing ten “deal sheets”. Sky said: “This gives the clubs involved an additional two hours to complete their transfer deals. Effectively this allows the clubs involved until 7pm to complete the paperwork/finalities. This is ten different deals, rather than ten different clubs, and all of these deals involve PL clubs.”

See all the summer transfer window deals here and read below about today’s confirmed moves.

United’s Godin move fails

All summer long Manchester United were linked with moves for a number of central defenders. However, no deals materialised for linked players such as Harry Maguire (Leicester), Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich) or Yerry Mina (Barcelona).

United were also linked today with a move for Uruguay defender Diego Godin, but Sky Sports reports that his club Atletico Madrid rejected the approach.

It is believed that Godin’s agent used United’s interest as leverage for the 32-year-old to sign a new contract at the Spanish club. Atletico are yet to confirm the new deal.

No Spurs signings

Tottenham failed to secure any signings this summer after ending their interest in Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino told the London Evening Standard he was happy with his squad despite no new recruits.

Dembele rumours were false

There were rumours that Arsenal had made a big-money bid for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele. But the speculation was quickly quashed by BBC reporter David Ornstein. He said on Twitter: “Reports of Arsenal bid for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele false. As previously reported incoming business completed a month ago. Were open to exceptional deal if chance arose (admire & have links to Dembele) but never realistic. #AFC optimistic on Ramsey contract but not close.”

Premier League deadline day done deals

Daniel Arzani: Melbourne City to Manchester City

The first deal on deadline day saw Daniel Arzani sign for Manchester City from Melbourne City. The 19-year-old Australian striker is expected to be loaned out by City and Celtic are interested.

Mateo Kovacic: Real Madrid to Chelsea

It was revealed yesterday that Mateo Kovacic was heading to Stamford Bridge on loan. But the deal for the Croatian midfielder was confirmed this morning.

Lucas Perez: Arsenal to West Ham

The Hammers have signed Arsenal striker Lucas Perez for a fee of £4m, the BBC reports. The 29-year-old has penned a three-year deal.

Filip Benkovic: Dinamo Zagreb to Leicester City

Instead of selling a defender (Harry Maguire), Leicester City went out and bought one. Croatian Filip Benkovic, 21, arrives from Dinamo Zagreb on a five-year deal. Sky Sports says the fee for Benkovic was £13m.

Victor Camarasa: Real Betis to Cardiff

Midfielder Victor Camarasa, 24, arrives at Cardiff on a season-long loan from Spanish side Real Betis.

Leander Dendoncker: Anderlecht to Wolves

Another season-long loan deal sees Leander Dendoncker join Wolves from Anderlecht. The 23-year-old Belgium international can play in midfield or defence and his move will become permanent next summer.

Bernard: Shakhtar Donetsk to Everton

Brazil winger Bernard has moved to Everton on a four-year deal. The 25-year-old signs on a free transfer after five seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes: Barcelona to Everton

Barcelona confirmed that deals were agreed with Everton for defender Yerry Mina and midfielder Andre Gomes. Mina signs for £28.5m while Gomes signs on loan.

Isaac Mbenza: Montpellier to Huddersfield Town

Montpellier winger Isaac Mbenza, 22, has signed for the Terriers on a season-long loan.

Carlos Sanchez: Fiorentina to West Ham

Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez, 32, arrives at the Hammers from Fiorentina. He has agreed a two-year deal.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa: Marseille to Fulham

Sky Sports reports that midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has signed for Fulham in a £30m deal from French side Marseille.

Biggest signings of the summer transfer window

  • £71.6m: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea)
  • £67m: Alisson (Roma to Liverpool)
  • £60m: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City to Manchester City)
  • £57m: Jorginho (Napoli to Chelsea)
  • £54m: Naby Keita (RB Leipzig to Liverpool)
  • £50m: Fred (Shakhtar to Manchester United)
  • £43m: Fabinho (Monaco to Liverpool)
  • £40m: Richarlison (Watford to Everton)

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