We’re heading into the final few days of the 2023 summer transfer window and the manic spending shows no signs of slowing down.
Manchester City have boosted their attacking options by signing a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, while Chelsea continue to spend like there’s no tomorrow.
In our penultimate Transfer Talk column this summer, we have scoured the deals from the last seven days to identify the standout moves.
Jeremy Doku – Stade Rennais to Manchester City – £55.5m
While several other clubs have been trying to sign anything that moves, Manchester City have adopted a more considered approach to their summer transfer dealings.
Their latest acquisition is exciting Stade Rennais winger Jeremy Doku, who has arrived at the Etihad Stadium for £55.5 million.
The 21-year-old’s dribbling ability should make him fun to watch, although he may need time to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Aymeric Laporte – Manchester City to Al-Nassr – £23.5m
Aymeric Laporte became the latest player to join the Saudi Pro League gravy train in midweek after ending his successful stint with Man City to sign for Al-Nassr.
Injuries have been a thorn in the Spanish defender’s side at City, yet he has still contributed to the club winning a ton of silverware.
The calmer waters of Saudi football will likely suit Laporte, although he will need to be mindful that Cristiano Ronaldo does not do much tracking back these days.
Deivid Washington – Santos to Chelsea – £17.2m
Chelsea’s quest to hoover up all the best young players in the world continued apace this week as they wrapped up a deal for Deivid Washington.
The versatile forward was a standout performer for Santos at youth level before forcing his way into the first-team set-up earlier this year.
A loan move to RC Strasbourg is on the cards for Washington. Given the competition for places at Chelsea, that temporary switch will likely be the first of many.
Djordje Petrovic – New England Revolution to Chelsea – £12.5m
Chelsea have boosted their goalkeeping options by agreeing a deal with New England Revolution for Djordje Petrovic.
The highly-rated Serbian keeper will battle with Robert Sanchez for the starting role but may have to wait before being handed an opportunity.
The Blues’ previous goalie acquisition from Major League Soccer – Gabriel Slonina – has yet to have much impact at the club. They will hope for better luck with Petrovic.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – Stuttgart to West Ham United – Undisclosed
It took a little while for West Ham United to get their act together in the transfer window, but they have picked up the pace over the last couple of weeks.
Their move for defender Konstantinos Mavropanos could be inspired, with the 25-year-old returning to the Premier League with a point to prove.
He previously showed signs of ability with Arsenal and has subsequently improved during his stint with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
Gonzalo Montiel – Sevilla to Nottingham Forest – Loan
Regular readers of Football Today will know we are no fans of Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper, with his penchant for moaning proving rather tiresome.
However, Gonzalo Montiel’s arrival from Sevilla could put a smile on his face, with the Argentina international adding quality to his defensive options.
The 2022 World Cup winner boasts an excellent pedigree and will provide top-class competition for Serge Aurier at right-back.
