Premier League clubs initially hesitated to spend big during the early months of the transfer window, but activity has intensified as the new season approaches.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Arsenal has secured Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, beating Juventus to his signature after his standout 2023/24 season with Bologna. Calafiori was also a bright spot in Italy’s lackluster European Championship defense in June.
The 22-year-old’s role at Arsenal remains uncertain. Last season, Arsenal had the Premier League best defense, keeping 18 clean sheets in 38 games. While Calafiori is adept at playing left-back, his strong performances as a centre-back could challenge Gabriel Magalhães’ spot next to William Saliba. The reported £42 million ($53 million) signing enhances Arsenal’s defensive options as they aim to end their 21-year title drought.
Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
Tottenham hopes Dominic Solanke can propel them back into the Champions League and end a 16-year trophy drought. Solanke, who scored 19 goals for Bournemouth last season, would become Tottenham’s record signing if the add-ons in his £65 million deal are met.
Solanke had short stints at Chelsea and Liverpool but has thrived during his five years at Bournemouth. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou sees Solanke as a key addition. “He’ll be a great fit for us,” said Postecoglou. With no direct replacement for Harry Kane last season, Solanke faces the challenge of filling those big shoes.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt has reunited with Erik ten Hag, who previously guided him at Ajax. Following high-profile moves to Juventus and Bayern Munich, de Ligt’s career stalled as he fell out of favor at both clubs and with the national team.
“I owe a lot to Erik ten Hag for shaping my early career,” said the 25-year-old. His arrival is part of Manchester United’s defensive overhaul, alongside French teenager Leny Yoro and Bayern teammate Noussair Mazraoui. With Yoro sidelined for the first three months, de Ligt has a chance to secure his place at Old Trafford.
Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
Pedro Neto has emerged as the standout signing for Chelsea amid another hectic transfer window. The Portuguese winger joined from Wolves for £54 million but faces stiff competition from Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke.
Neto, who has impressed in flashes since joining Wolves in 2019, has struggled with injuries, which deterred other potential suitors. Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca will have to manage Neto’s integration, with Cole Palmer expected to move inside from the right wing.
Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham)
West Ham’s standout summer signing is German international Niclas Füllkrug. Known for his physical style of play, the 31-year-old is a fan favorite in Germany, where many supporters wanted him to start ahead of Arsenal’s Kai Havertz at the Euros.
Füllkrug, who rose through Hannover and Werder Bremen, scored 16 goals in his single season with Borussia Dortmund, helping them reach last season’s Champions League final. His arrival could be a significant boost for West Ham’s attacking options.
