Ahead of the start of the Premier League on Saturday, Richard Jolly looks at five of the best bits of transfer business achieved.
Read more: Manchester United signings Ibrahimovic and Pogba among the many EPL transfers that shaped a summer
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N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Getting arguably last season’s most influential player for £32m has to count as a coup. Kante was the Premier League’s most prolific tackler and interceptor. Antonio Conte plans to play an attacking 4-2-4 formation this season. That necessitates an energetic central midfielder who can win the ball back quickly. Kante is that man.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United)
The comparatively cheap price, of just £26.3 million (Dh125.6m), is not the only number that stands out. Mkhitaryan delivered 23 goals for Borussia Dortmund last season, while proving similarly creative. It is little wonder he was voted the Bundesliga’s Footballer of the Year. Considering how impotent United were, he could be just what they need.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Being Pep Guardiola’s first signing confers prestige. It also indicates how important Gundogan could be, potentially as the midfielder charged with getting City’s passing game going. The only concern is an injury record that indicates why Gundogan’s price was a mere £20m. It shows how much City wanted him that they signed him when he was sidelined.
Sofiane Feghouli (West Ham United)
If Ibrahimovic is the summer’s major free transfer, Feghouli has the potential to prove its best. The Algerian winger has helped Valencia finish fourth in the Primera Liga and has a fine scoring record in Europe. His set-piece delivery is another asset and, with him on the right and Dimitri Payet on the left, West Ham should threaten.
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
The frustration surrounding Arsenal’s subsequent inability to sign high-class players should not obscure the feeling that one has already arrived. A combative tackler and an assured passer, Xhaka looks the defensive midfield upgrade they required. At just 23, the Switzerland international has the potential to justify his £35m fee.
