Based on the activity of London’s Premier League clubs, even in the hours after the close of the winter transfer window, the big trio of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur already have eyes on summer.
Transfer deadline day brought with it the typical twists and turns, albeit with some quiet activity amongst the English top-flight’s traditional ‘big six’.
Stealing the spotlight were Tottenham with their pursuit of Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel. Days ago the 19-year-old had rejected Daniel Levy, only for him to board a plane headed to London on Monday to finalise a loan move with few minutes to spare before the 11pm cut-off.
Not only that, the North Londoners even managed to convince the player an optional purchase clause was best included in the deal, and that was what was achieved.
A few miles away, it was a much calmer evening. Emirates Stadium chiefs opted against pressing ahead with the signing of a striker, as had been discussed between Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal transfer strategists.
Chelsea shared the same story, with options explored throughout the window. Alejandro Garnacho, Tel – they were of great interest, though no move materialised as instead outgoings took precedence.
The theme for all – including Spurs with their choice to buy Tel outright now in place – is that one eye is firmly on the summer window and next season.
And each club already know when that will open again for business in 2025. The official opening date in the United Kingdom is set for Thursday, June 12. However, whereas Arsenal and Spurs will have to wait for that date, Chelsea find themselves with a slender advantage.
Importantly for the Blues that date falls only three days before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, which they have qualified for this summer.
As a result the global governing body have ratified a rule changes to allow competing clubs an additional 10 days of transfers between Sunday, June 1 – Tuesday, June 10. This is to allow player registrations to go through without a hitch.
Afterwards, they are bound by the regular window which will last until Friday, August 29.
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