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August 31, 2024

Raheem Sterling Moves to Arsenal, Jadon Sancho Heads to Chelsea on Transfer Deadline Day – EPL

Sterling now has four major English clubs on his resume: Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Chelsea has reportedly agreed to acquire Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, coinciding with Raheem Sterling’s departure from Stamford Bridge to join Arsenal on loan in the final moments of a hectic transfer deadline day in the Premier League. The winger Sancho is anticipated to join the Blues on loan, with a commitment to a permanent transfer next season for £25 million ($33 million). United have decided to cut their losses on the 24-year-old, who has struggled to meet expectations since his £73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.

Sancho has not appeared in a league match for United since he took to social media nearly a year ago to express that he felt like a “scapegoat” for the team’s disappointing performances. 

However, he excelled during a loan period at Dortmund in the latter half of last season, playing a pivotal role in helping the German club reach the Champions League final.

Sancho’s addition further increases Chelsea’s already crowded squad. However, one player discarded by the new manager, Enzo Maresca, found a new destination, as Sterling moved across London to Arsenal. 

The England international previously collaborated with Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta during their time together at Manchester City. 

Sterling, acquired by Chelsea for £50 million from City just two years ago, was among several players encouraged to seek new opportunities.

At 29 years old, he adds an additional attacking threat to Arsenal, aiming to secure the championship title for the first time since 2004.

“Looking at everything, I’m just like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super-happy that we got it over the line,” the BBC quoted Sterling as saying after completing a season-long loan move.

Chelsea’s efforts to finalize a deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen were unsuccessful. 

Meanwhile, Saudi club Al-Ahli had shown interest in the Nigerian forward but ultimately opted to sign England international striker Ivan Toney instead. 

Brentford is said to have received a £40 million transfer fee for Toney.

“We thank him for so many magic moments and wish him all the best for his next chapter. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend,” said Bees manager Thomas Frank.

Man Utd sign Ugarte

United finalized a transfer for Uruguayan international midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, securing the deal for 50 million euros (£42 million).

“Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be,” said the 23-year-old.

Ugarte is now the Red Devils’ fifth significant signing of the transfer window, following Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee.

However, Erik ten Hag expressed his disappointment at Scott McTominay’s departure, as the Scottish international has transferred to Napoli. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal secured goalkeeper Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth to provide backup for David Raya after allowing Aaron Ramsdale to move to Southampton for £25 million.

Manchester City refused to delve into the market on deadline day even if Pep Guardiola admitted he is taking a risk in not replacing Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, who departed for Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

“Maybe it is a mistake, I don’t know but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time,” said Guardiola on his preference for a smaller squad.

Newcastle Frustrated

Crystal Palace were among the busiest sides on Friday despite rebuffing interest in captain Marc Guehi from Newcastle.

The Eagles signed striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £30 million, French defender Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg, and a loan deal for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah.

Wolves bolstered their squad with the signings of Brazilian midfielder Andre from Fluminense and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Nottingham Forest brought West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse on loan and Brazilian defender Morato from Benfica.

Newcastle has the financial backing of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund but has been frustrated in their attempts to quickly challenge at the top of the Premier League by the need to meet financial sustainability rules.

The Magpies were unable to add any significant signings during this window.

“I don’t think the dream dies, necessarily, but I think it takes a lot longer,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on his club’s bold ambitions of becoming English champions within a decade of the Saudi takeover in 2021.