Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Watford all completed a host of transfers this summer, here are five of the best London arrivals.
5. Christian Benteke
Despite the Belgium international’s huge transfer fee, Christian Benteke has provided a focal point for a Crystal Palace attack crying out for a powerful goalscorer like the 25-year-old.
The Eagles themselves have had an indifferent start, failing to win their first two matches and then going on a mini run that saw them win three in a row and stay undefeated in five, in no short part to Benteke’s goals.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke celebrates scoring
However, they have lost four straight games since, suggesting Benteke, with his four goals in nine matches, needs more support from his teammates. Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was also an excellent piece of business, but with Palace conceding plenty of goals, it is hard to pick him ahead of his teammate.
4. Marcos Alonso
Perhaps something of a surprise, the Spanish left back was a relatively low key arrival at Stamford Bridge despite his own sizeable fee to bring him to the Premier League, after three years in Serie A with Fiorentina.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford in action with Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso
However, despite a hugely disappointing first Premier League appearance in the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, Alonso’s introduction to the team as left wingback from the next match onwards, in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3, has seen the Blues clock five wins on the bounce with zero goals conceded. His presence in the squad has also helped Chelsea come up with a system which doesn’t rely on Branislav Ivanovic playing right back, where the Serb has struggled in recent months.
3. Shkodran Mustafi
Making the top three London transfers, the Arsenal defender is looking like an excellent signing, even if he did cost big money to bring him to the Emirates from Valencia. It is hard to argue that Mustafi was probably the best available option on the market for Arsene Wenger, who has been searching for a top class central defender to play alongside Laurent Koscielny for some time (though not as long as Gunners fans).
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min in action with Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi
Still just 24-years-old, and already a World Cup winner, expect to see the Germany international become a mainstay of the Arsenal defence over the next few years, essential as Koscielny edges further into his 30s. Has the potential to become a world class defender.
His Gunners teammate Granit Xhaka just misses out on the top five.
2. Victor Wanyama
Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama takes the second spot when it comes to London deals, having been signed for just £11 million (Daily Mail) this summer – significantly less than the others making the top five.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in action with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka
But focusing on his transfer fee does the 25-year-old a disservice, Wanyama has been sensational since rejoining Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane, with the Spurs boss bringing him to Southampton from Celtic in 2013.
Though he was brought in as competition for Eric Dier’s defensive midfield role, the Kenyan has quickly seized the role for himself after man of the match performances such as during the 2-0 win over Manchester City, and the powerhouse is one of only two players here that has started every Premier League game for his club this season.
1. N’Golo Kante
The other player that has started every game for his new side is France international N’Golo Kante, who has played a vital role in helping Chelsea turn around their terrible 2015/16 season and surge to the top of the table, and is therefore the best London signing of the season.
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Arguably, the 25-year-old should have been on every big club’s shortlist this summer, as a departure from Leicester looked a possibility. But it is the Blues who secured the anchorman, and any uncertainty about whether he was a one-season as he helped the Foxes to the Premier League title have been quickly brushed aside with a series of superb performances.
How the likes of Manchester United would benefit from his relentless midfield energy and defensive commitment.
If he helps Conte secure the Premier League title, Kante will boast some record: two Premier League titles, with two different clubs, in two seasons.
Below we discuss the other London clubs’ business.
West Ham have made a number of signings, many of which caught the eye at the time they were announced. However, with the Hammers struggling down towards the foot of the table, these new players haven’t been able to impress, with several seeing injury interrupt their first few months in East London.
Watford on the other hand have done well under new boss Walter Mazzarri, though more on the back of strong performances from players already at their club with assistance from new arrivals. Though they are in 8th place, it is worth remembering that they are just four points above West Ham in 17th.
Anyone missing from the top five? Feel free to comment below.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
