PL Transfer Roundup: Arsenal hijack Eze deal, Manchester United find their striker, and Spurs get Palhinha
Eberechi Eze to Arsenal: Spurs deal hijacked (£68 million)
For so long, it seemed as though the Spurs were going to get their man. Ebere Eze of Crystal Palace: the final piece in a revitalised front line after already bringing in Kudus from West Ham. And yet, as is so often the case, they were pipped to the post by North London rivals Arsenal.
Eze joins the Gunners following an impressive season in South London, finishing his Premier League campaign with eight goals and eight assists. It was his role in leading Crystal Palace to their first major trophy, breaking the deadlock in the final, that provided the icing on the cake for his career with the Eagles.
Eze is a versatile forward player with a level of comfort in his game resembling that of a street footballer, darting in and around players with a decided ease that could make you forget that they are professional defenders. His flair and flash will offer something different to Mikel Arteta: a spark that could change games when the ruthlessly efficient, but occasionally uninventive, Arsenal fail to do so.
The question will remain where to play him. Martinelli has been uninspiring on the left-hand side, but that is not Eze’s preferred position. On the other hand, does Arteta drop captain Martin Ødegaard to facilitate the move?
It would be interesting to see, if Eze is to play in that central role, how Gabriel Martinelli’s game might improve. Eze has a natural inclination to drift left which could help Martinelli’s game. In his most successful season at Arsenal in 2022-23 Xhaka drifted left, as did striker Gabriel Jesus, to support the Brazilian. It was then no surprise to see a drop-off in performances since Xhaka left and Jesus has spent lengthy spells on the sidelines, leaving Martinelli as an increasingly isolated figure. Could Eze bring Martinelli back to his best and lead Arsenal to their first League title in over 20 years?
Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United (£72 million)
Manchester United’s number nine woes have been well documented: it is a position where the pressure turns many into a shell of their former self. Højlund, Lukaku, Martial, and Falcao have all flirted in the past with becoming the solution to United’s striker dilemma, all have failed. Šeško will hope to rise out of the graveyard of failed United attacking talents and inspire them to a European finish.
The Slovenian arrives at Old Trafford following a fairly successful season at RB Leipzig, scoring 13 goals in the Bundesliga. He will be hoping, as will his new employers, to improve on that tally, and bring the Red Devils back to the European places. Behind him, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha will be crucial in feeding balls to a new look front line – Cunha ranked in the 81st percentile for passes into the penalty area last season, and represents playmaking talent among the best of the best.
Benjamin Šeško will need time to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, but if Manchester United do start slow, how much of a grace period will he be afforded before doubts set in among the fanbase? If there is one thing in common between all of United’s recent marquee signings, it it that time is never on their side.
Joao Palhinha to Spurs (loan)
Joao Palhinha to Spurs is a great signing from an economic standpoint. To get a player who is Premier League proven at Fulham will certainly be a welcome addition to Thomas Frank’s squad. His qualities are clear to see, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90 and 95th for aerials won.
He will be coming into a Spurs team in a desperate need for midfield solidity, having conceded 65 goals last campaign. Frank will be hoping he can rekindle Palhinha’s formidable form at Fulham, as well as use his top-level experience at Bayern, to bring the Lilywhites success.
While a loan deal for Palhinha is a shrewd move by Levy, it must be accompanied by other signings around him, especially with Maddison’s ACL injury. Palhinha is solid player, yet he only played a rotational role in Bayern Munich’s campaign. When we consider transfers such as Reijnders to Manchester City, Wirtz to Liverpool, and Zubimendi to Arsenal as examples of the other big six business this summer, then we see an ever-widening gap in quality between the teams. Spurs’ Palhinha is therefore a step in the right direction, but by no means makes their midfield the complete article. More business in that area is needed.
Other notable signings:
Djordje Petrovic signs for Bournemouth from Chelsea, strengthening their goalkeeping department after Kepa ends his loan.
Maxim de Cuyper bolsters Brighton’s defence from Brugge, joining on the left flank for a fee of £17.5 million.
Burnley take on veteran Kyle Walker and Chelsea forward Armando Brojasas in the hope that they will lead them to unlikely safety.
More to come?
With transfer deadline day fast approaching, it seems that there is plenty left to be decided before the window slams shut. Will Alexander Isak force through his big move to Liverpool after another wave of spiteful comments concerning his current employers Newcastle United? Can the current champions also add Marc Guehi to their ranks as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate? And what about Spurs’ quest to secure another midfielder, which seems to have been hit by further setbacks? Hold on to your hats – we’re not finished here just yet.
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