August 31 was another typically hectic deadline day of transfers around Europe, so here’s Sports Pundit’s review of the top moves from around the top leagues in the continent.
England’s Premier League
Mikel Arteta
Everton to Arsenal, £10m
The Spanish midfielder move to the Emirates literally came out of nowhere, but it’s a big switch for the season ahead following the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal. The crafty 29-year-old has big shoes to fill, but he’s a big talent ready to deliver.
Raul Meireles
Liverpool to Chelsea, Undisclosed
Meireles’ transfer to Chelsea was another huge surprise on deadline day, with the Portuguese midfielder leaving Anfield after a fairly successful debut season with the club. The 28-year-old now is aiming for silverware with the Blues, who missed out on target number one Luka Modric.
Per Mertesacker
Werder Bremen to Arsenal, Undisclosed
The 26-year-old Germany international made the journey to London on August 30 for a medical before completing his move, which took the surprise out of the switch. However, Mertesacker’s move is no less significant, as the Gunners conceded eight goals in one game prior to his arrival.
Spain’s La Liga
Jonathan de Guzman
Real Mallorca to Villarreal, €8m
The Dutch midfielder joined the Yellow Submarine in a big-money deadline day move. The Netherlands youth international had only spent one season in Spain with Mallorca but impressed enough to win a move to Villarreal, who will compete in the 2011-12 Uefa Champions League.
Raul Bravo
Olympiacos to Rayo Vallecano, Free
The former Spain and Real Madrid defender opted to make the move to financially-embattled Rayo Vallecano, who won promotion to La Liga for this season. The 30-year-old is still young enough to have an impact after several successful seasons in Greece with Olympiacos.
Helder Postiga
Sporting Lisbon to Real Zaragoza, €1m
Zaragoza had an off-season to forget after losing star forwards such as Gabi, Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Ikechukwu Uche and Ander Herrera, so they desperately turned to the 29-year-old Portugal international striker on deadline day.
Italy’s Serie A
Miralem Pjanic
Olympique Lyon to AS Roma, €11m
The highly-rated Bosnian midfielder was one of AS Roma’s many deadline day signings but their most expensive. The exciting 21-year-old has had several fine seasons in France’s Ligue 1 but is now set for the grand stage in Serie A.
Mauro Zarate
Lazio to Inter Milan, Loan
Inter had lost Samuel Eto’o to Anzhi Makhachkala the week prior so they signed Diego Forlan before rushing in a move for the Argentine striker from Lazio. The 24-year-old could be a useful addition for Inter.
Antonio Nocerino
Palermo to AC Milan, €600k
The Italy international midfielder signed a five-year contract with Milan on deadline day after three consistent seasons at Palermo. The 26-year-old will push for first-team opportunities at the San Siro given the value he adds to a midfield.
Germany’s Bundesliga
Aleksandr Hleb
FC Barcelona to VfL Wolfsburg, Loan
The Belarus international has moved back to Germany where he broke through as a player at VfB Stuttgart. Hleb, who has been with Arsenal and Birmingham City in recent times, links up with Felix Magath at 2009 German champions Wolfsburg.