With the 2022-23 season now finally behind us, Premier League clubs have already begun bolstering their squads ahead of what promises to be another closely-fought campaign. With every team hoping to chase down last year’s treble winners Manchester City, it’s never been more important to get the right new faces in for pre-season.
As football fans begin to analyse the Premier League odds 23/24 ahead of the new campaign, let’s take a look at a few of the high-profile transfers that have already taken place this summer.
Declan Rice – West Ham United to Arsenal
Declan Rice has been the subject of much speculation over the last few years regarding his future, but now the time has come for the defensive midfielder to bid goodbye to his beloved West Ham United.
A £105 million offer from Arsenal was too good for the East London club to turn down, and Rice will take centre stage in the Gunners’ midfield. Having guided West Ham to Europa Conference League glory last season, Mikel Arteta’s side are getting a readymade top-class talent, who will have his sights set on firing Arsenal to the Premier League title they missed out on last season.
Alexis Mac Allister – Brighton to Liverpool
Another in-demand player this summer was Alexis Mac Allister, who lit up the 2022 World Cup with his sensational performances for Argentina. The Brighton man was linked with a whole host of clubs, but ultimately it was Liverpool who acquired his services, with Mac Allister joining for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old is the first signing of Jurgen Klopp’s much-needed midfield rebuild. Capable of playing in a number of positions through the middle of the pitch, Mac Allister could prove to be a vital player as Liverpool seek to challenge for major honours once again.
Kai Havertz – Chelsea to Arsenal
Since his big-money arrival at Chelsea a few years ago, it’s fair to say Kai Havertz has struggled to deliver the consistency expected of him. Turbulence at the West London club regarding managerial and ownership changes hardly helped, but it’s fair to say that the German international didn’t show his best form at Stamford Bridge.
A new challenge is on the horizon for Havertz now, with Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal picking up the 24-year-old in a deal worth about £65 million. It’ll be interesting to see how Arteta deploys him in his team, but his quality when on top form is undeniable.
Christopher Nkunku – RB Leipzig to Chelsea
Chelsea fans must feel like they’re cursed when it comes to forward additions in the transfer window. Despite signing several high-profile strikers over the years, few have been able to deliver the goals expected of them, leading to some disappointing seasons for the Blues as far as the goals scored column is concerned.
Hoping to break that curse is Christopher Nkunku, who arrives from RB Leipzig. The French international has long been one of the most sought-after players in European football, and new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping Nkunku can become the poster boy of his team.
Mateo Kovacic – Chelsea to Manchester City
Champions Manchester City have already added to their ranks by signing Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in a £25 million deal. Pep Guardiola’s side have had to bid goodbye to captain Ilkay Gundogan this summer, who is off to Barcelona, and so Kovacic arrives to add further strength to the midfield.
Kovacic is a quality, dynamic player who fell out of favour at the Blues, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to Guardiola’s style of play.
