Transfer Deadline Countdown Begins as Clubs Splash Cash

With Wednesday’s transfer deadline vast approaching, Premier League clubs are furiously scouring the global football market in a bid to add to their playing squads.
The world record transfer of Paul Pogba (BBC) to Manchester United earlier this summer has certainly set a precedent for transfer fees, with clubs now having to invest heavily in order to attract their targets. The majority of clubs in England are still on the lookout for recruits, with the likes of Joe Hart, Saido Berahino and Marcos Alonso all being linked with moves from their current clubs.
Despite joining Manchester rivals City and United as the only Premier League teams to maintain a 100% winning record over the weekend, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte remains keen to add to his options, with defensive reinforcements the main area of concern. Fiorentina defender Alonso is the latest name to be linked with a move to West London, with the Italian expected to cost in the region of £23 million (Guardian).
The former Bolton and Sunderland man is now odds on with bookmakers Betway to seal a move to Stamford Brige, with AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli still an option despite two bids being rejected to date. As seen at Betway.com’s online betting odds, Chelsea are third favourites for the title this season, behind Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho’s teams.
The future of England’s No.1 Joe Hart (Guardian) remains unclear with just a matter of hours until the close of the transfer window, with Italian club Napoli the current favourites with Betway to sign the goalkeeper.
Despite interest from David Moyes’ Sunderland, Hart is reportedly keen on remaining in the Champions League, with his place in Sam Allardyce’s England team under threat. England take on Slovakia in their first World Cup qualifying encounter, and with Hart expected to keep his place from Euro 2016, the Three Lions are 2/1 on with Betway to earn an opening victory.
There have been reports suggesting that Stoke are confident of finally landing Saido Berahino, with the striker set to cost the Potters around £20 million from West Brom (Mirror). Tony Pulis must look to West Ham to sign Diafra Sakho as a replacement.
Arsenal (Official Site) defender Calum Chambers has been loaned out to Middlesbrough. Moreover, it will not come as any surprise if the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Kurt Zouma move away from their respective clubs before the transfer window closes.