EPL 2017-18: From Lukaku to Lacazette — Top five transfers
The 2017-18 English Premier League (EPL) season kicks off with a mouth-watering Arsenal-Leicester City match-up. In the season precursor, Arsene Wenger's Gunners survived an intense clash against their London rivals and reigning league champions Chelsea to lift the FA Community Shield, while the Foxes kept themselves with a conservative looking pre-season engagements. But the 2016-17 league champions will seek a better outing this time, considering how they have made a mess of their title defence last season.
The 2017-18 English Premier League (EPL) season kicks off with a mouth-watering Arsenal-Leicester City match-up. In the season precursor, Arsene Wenger's Gunners survived an intense clash against their London rivals and reigning league champions Chelsea to lift the FA Community Shield, while the Foxes kept themselves with a conservative looking pre-season engagements. But the 2016-17 league champions will seek a better outing this time, considering how they have made a mess of their title defence last season.
Other 18 teams also have their pre-season warm-ups, with top clubs Chelsea, Manchester's United and City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, covering miles to tune-up for the new season. Majority of these clubs have reinforced their squads with new signings, hoping for better combinations and results. But not all transfers have managed to hit the headlines. Here are 5 biggest transfers of the season, so far.
5. Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur to Manchester City)
Having established himself as one of the most hard-working and dependable defenders in the league, Kyle Walker became a hot target for many clubs. He could have stayed with Tottenham Hotspur, last season's runner-ups, but he opted for City. He is likely to form a new defensive line with Mendy at the Etihad.
Price: £50 million
4. Benjamin Mendy (Monaco to Manchester City)
The arrival of Pep Guardiola helped City faithfuls to dream big, but the famed Spaniard manager's first season failed big time. In a bid to revive Citizen's title credentials, they have released ageing players and roped in young bloods. One such player is French left-back Benjamin Mendy, who was signed from Monaco on a deal reported to be costliest for a defender.
Price: £52 million
3. Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon to Arsenal)
Ligue 1's top scorer last season emerged as one of the hottest properties in world football. Despite link ups with various top clubs, including hot favourites Atletico Madrid, he finally settled with Arsenal. Somehow, Arsene Wenger agreed to break their transfer record, and the 26-year-old French striker is likely to feature prominently in Gunner's campaign.
Price: £52.6 million
2. Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid to Chelsea)
Chelsea broke their transfer record to sign Alvaro Morata. The 24-year-old Spain striker is likely to replace Diego Costa, who has reportedly been frozen out by manager Antonio Conte. The defending champions would required a dream first season from the former Real Madrid player, who had a disappointing club debut agaisnt Arsenal in the Community Shield shootout loss.
Price: £58 million
1. Romelu Lukaku (Everton to Manchester United)
The 24-year-old has been prolific in front of the goal, and was one of the most desired forwards in the league for some time. But the Belgium got the move he desired, to Manchester United. He is billed as the replacement for ageing Zlatan Ibrahimovic. At Old Trafford, he will be reunited with Jose Mourinho. The dou have spent some good times at Chelsea.
Price: £90 million
