The' majority of Arsenal’s transfer warchest has so far remained intact and it really depends on which tabloid you read as to how much Arsene Wenger has in it, but he’s very reluctant to spend it and it seems he’d rather stuff it under his matress.
The Gunners have though forked out an undisclosed sum for Cardiff wonderkid Aaron Ramsey. But at just 17 years of age it will be a massive step up for the £5 million-rated midfielder who has only 16 Championship games under his belt.
Aston Villa have also seen little action in the transfer market, not a surprise really as boss Martin O’Neill spent three weeks on a jolly up at the European Championships.
Defender Curtis Davies has joined on a permanent deal though in what has got to be the most questionable transfer of the summer. The former West Brom man has cost around £8 million – about £7 million too much considering the 23-year-old even described himself as a ‘pub player’ last season.
That deal will hardly inspire the staunchest of Villans and there won’t be too many football bets struck taking the 5.5 on' Villa to win the league without the big four.
New Blackburn boss Paul Ince has not yet bolstered his ranks and David Moyes at Everton has also been equally as quiet.
Bolton have been active in the transfer market and Gary Megson has brought in midfield terrier Fabrice Muamba from Birmingham in what should prove to be a decent deal. Swedish forward Johan Elmander has also arrived for big money despite a bang average showing at Euro 2008, but it will take more than that for the punters to get excited about the Trotters next term.
Chelsea boss Luiz Filipe Scolari has brought Portugal pair Deco and Jose Bosingwa to the Bridge with him and they look good acquisitions. Full-back Bosingwa looked lightning quick at the Euros and looks sure to be first choice under Big Phil and Deco will add a range of passing not seen in the top flight since David Beckham’s departure. The pair are sure to strengthen the Blues’ title tilt and the Kings Road faithful might just be scrapping together their loose change for a Premier League title bet on the Blues at 3.15.
Fulham have also been busy after their survival heroics last season and Roy Hodgson has brought in Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer, West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera, Bolton’s Andranik and David Stockdale.
Schwarzer will be rock solid and Gera will produce moments of magic, but Adranik did not tear up any trees at Bolton and youngster Stockdale will be Schwarzer’s goalkeeping deputy.
Geovanni’s arrival at Hull will be a massive boost to the Tigers and the former Manchester City schemer could prove to be a terrific acquisition, while former old boy Craig Fagan has returned to the club hoping to get another chance.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has signed full-back Philipp Degen and the 25-year-old is likley to make the right-back berth his own this season. Andrea Dossena has also penned a deal at Anfield and the former Udinese left-back will help form a new-look rearguard for the Reds. The 26-year-old loves to get forward and he will provide valuable width for Rafa’s men down the left and he can play in a more advanced position.
Manchester City have already smashed their transfer record this summer with the arrival of CSKA Moscow striker Jo. And after a string of striking flops at Eastlands there will be huge pressure on the 21-year-old who has cost City a whopping £19 million. After 30 goals in 53 appearances' he arrives with a big reputation and it will be interesting to see whether he can' adapt to the Premier League after three years in Moscow.
By Phil Tomlinson
