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New Arrivals

14 of the shrewdest Premier League signings this summer

These may not be the biggest transfer deals of this window, but they represent good value for money.

Petr Cech (Arsenal)

ONE OF THE smartest buys of this transfer window, the £10 million (€14m) Arsenal paid for 33-year-old goalkeeper Cech could prove a snip if he can show safe hands which helped Chelsea win four Premier League titles, four FA Cups the Champions League and the Europa League during a decade at the club.

Soccer - 2015 Emirates Cup - Arsenal v VfL Wolfsburg - Emirates Stadium John Walton John Walton

Micah Richards (Aston Villa)

Still just 27, Micah Richards is back in the Premier League after spending last season on loan in Serie A with Fiorentina. The former Manchester City defender has had his critics but he’s got the ability to become a leader at the heart of Villa’s defence.

Soccer - Pre-Season Friendly - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa - Molineux PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

Radamel Falcao (Chelsea)

Endured a nightmare season on loan at Manchester United last term, but Jose Mourinho has given fellow Jorge Mendes client Falcao the chance to prove doubters wrong by offering him a year-long spell with the champions. The Colombian will play second fiddle to former Atletico Madrid team-mate Diego Costa but is sure to get chances to resurrect his career in the Chelsea team.

Soccer - Chelsea v PSG AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Patrick Bamford (Crystal Palace)

2015 Championship Player of the Year after leading Middlesbrough to the play-off final with 17 goals in 32 appearances, Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has been farmed out to Crystal Palace this time around.

The 21-year-old, who is capped at underage for Ireland but most recently played international football for England’s U21s, possesses the abilities of a natural finisher and this will be his first opportunity to prove he can cut it in the top flight.

Soccer - The Football League Awards 2015 - The Brewery - London EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

Gerard Deulofeu (Everton)

Having spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Everton, Gerard Deulofeu is back at Goodison Park after agreeing a £4.3m (€6.1m) permanent switch from Barcelona. The Spanish winger impressed two seasons ago and while he had a difficult time at Sevilla recently, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez expects him to rediscover his form.

Soccer - Pre-season Friendly - Swindon Town v Everton - The County Ground Steven_Paston Steven_Paston

James Milner (Liverpool)

Available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract with Manchester City, Milner will bring a vast amount of experience and leadership to the Liverpool midfield. A hugely-versatile player who has been used in several positions over the years, the 29-year-old said the chance to feature in a central role alongside international team-mate Jordan Henderson played a part in his decision to join the Reds.

Thailand Liverpool Soccer Sakchai Lalit Sakchai Lalit

Matteo Darmian (Man United)

Manchester United have been in the market for a right full-back for sometime and were linked with names such as Dani Alves, Nathaniel Clyne, Fabinho and Seamus Coleman in recent months. However, Louis van Gaal eventually opted for a cheaper option (£12.7m, €18.1m) in Torino defender Matteo Darmian. Comfortable across the backline, the Italian has already been impressing during United’s pre-season tour of the US.

Man United Earthquakes Soccer AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle)

Georginio Wijnaldum became Newcastle’s third most expensive ever signing when he joined from PSV Eindhoven for £14.5m (€20m) last month. The Dutch attacking midfielder, who says the number 10 role is his best position, appears to have settled into life on Tyneside already with two goals in as many pre-season appearances.

Portugal Soccer Europa League AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Robbie Brady (Norwich City)

Part of Hull’s Irish contingent which was relegated from the Premier League, Brady has joined Stephen Quinn and Paul McShane by departing the Tigers for new pastures. Despite going down, the Dubliner was one the club’s stand-out performers and has earned himself a move to newly-promoted Norwich City.

Robbie Brady Norwich done

Jordy Clasie (Southampton)

Ronald Koeman has re-invested half of the £24m (€35m) Southampton received for Morgan Schneiderlin in buying his replacement — Jordy Clasie. The Saints boss knows his compatriot well from their time at Feyenoord and the 24-year-old, dubbed ‘the Dutch Xavi, arrives with a big reputation.

Netherlands Latvia Soccer Euro 2016 Peter Dejong Peter Dejong

Ibrahim Afellay (Stoke City)

Another Dutch import (albeit via Barcelona, Schalke and Olympiacos), Ibrahim Afellay probably next expected to find himself calling the Britannia Stadium home. The attacking midfielder’s switch from boyhood club PSV Eindhoven to Barca in 2011 never amounted to regular game-time and he wound up on loan in Germany and Greece. Now 29, he becomes the fourth ex-Barcelona player on the Potters’ books.

Spain Soccer FC Barcelona AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Andre Ayew (Swansea)

With experience in the Champions League for Marseille and the World Cup with his native Ghana, it is no wonder that Swansea fans are excited by the capture of Andre Ayew. The son legendary African footballer Abedi Pele, Swans boss Garry Monk has praised his quality but asked supporters not to expect too much too soon. Brother Jordan has also joined Aston Villa recently.

Marseille Soccer League One AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Jose Manuel Jurado (Watford)

It has been all change at promoted Watford with manager Quique Sanchez Flores joining 10 new names on the playing staff and one of the latest arrivals is Spanish playmaker Jose Manuel Jurado from Spartak Moscow. Flores knows him well from their days at Atletico Madrid and he is likely to use him regularly in the Hornets team.

Soccer - Pre-Season Friendly - Cardiff City v Watford - Cardiff City Stadium David Davies David Davies

Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham)

West Ham beat off competition from the likes of Southampton, Everton and Napoli to secure the signature of 27-year-old defender Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus. Comfortable at left-back and centre-half, he is capped 10 times at senior level for Italy and should be a welcome addition.

Soccer - Pre Season Friendly - Charlton Athletic v West Ham United - The Valley EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

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