Premier League clubs break spending record for fourth year running
Premier League clubs have broken their spending record for a summer transfer window for a fourth year in a row, with almost a week to spare.
England’s top-flight teams have already shelled out £880m on new players, including £89m man Paul Pogba, during the current close season – £10m more than they did last summer.
Deloitte, which compiled the figures, expects clubs to break the £1bn barrier before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.
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“Buoyed by the prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals, clubs’ gross spending has now passed last year’s record of £870m,” said Deloitte’s Dan Jones.
“This is particularly striking considering we still have the best part of a week to go before deadline day. With the third round of games in the new Premier League season to come this weekend and a number of clubs keen to strengthen with a view to competing in European and domestic cup competitions, total spending in this window will likely break the £1bn barrier for the first time.”
Manchester United have splashed the largest single fee – their world record signing of France midfielder Pogba – but neighbours Manchester City have been the biggest spenders, lavishing around £180m.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham’s outlays have been relatively modest but all three London clubs are expected to recruit further before the transfer deadline.
Chief among the Blues targets is a central defender, though they have been told to forget about signing AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli after the Italian club turned down a £35m bid yesterday.
Arsenal are also in the market for a defender but are also close to signing attacking reinforcements in the form of Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez Martinez.
The Gunners have attempted to beat Everton to the 28-year-old’s signature, while their most likely centre-back arrival remains Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi.
Tottenham have launched a £15m offer for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is believed to be keen to move across London to White Hart Lane.