Chelsea’s transfer deadline day was a whirlwind of activity, with the club reportedly securing a loan deal for Jadon Sancho from Manchester United and Raheem Sterling departing for Arsenal on a similar arrangement.
Sancho’s move to Stamford Bridge comes after a disappointing spell at Old Trafford, where he has struggled to justify his hefty price tag. The winger is expected to join the Blues on a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent next season for a fee of £25 million ($33 million).
Meanwhile, Sterling’s departure marks the end of a two-year spell at Chelsea. The England international, who joined from Manchester City for £50 million, has been deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Enzo Maresca. He will now reunite with former City boss Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, adding an extra attacking dimension to the Gunners’ squad.
Chelsea’s attempts to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen proved unsuccessful, while Saudi club Al-Ahli also expressed interest in the Nigerian but ultimately opted for England international Ivan Toney. Brentford received a reported £40 million fee for Toney’s services.
Manchester United, on the other hand, completed a €50 million move for Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. Ugarte becomes the Red Devils’ fifth major signing of the window, joining Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee. However, United suffered a blow with the departure of Scott McTominay to Napoli.
Arsenal also added goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, while Manchester City opted against making any deadline-day signings. Newcastle, despite their financial backing, were unable to add any major players due to financial sustainability rules.
Other notable moves included Crystal Palace signing Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal, Wolves bolstering their squad with Andre and Sam Johnstone, and Nottingham Forest bringing in James Ward-Prowse and Morato.
