
Transfer deadline day was back with a bang.
High-profile names switching clubs, big bucks being exchanged, transfers breaking down and a hashtag demanding the sacking of a high-profile chief executive meant the final day of the Premier League summer transfer window proved rather entertaining.
Here are five of the biggest talking points of the final day of wheeling and dealing until January…
Why did Arsenal want David Luiz?
Transfer deadline day often throws up a deal which leaves some fans of both clubs asking ‘why?’
Chelsea defender David Luiz leaving for London rivals Arsenal – not long after signing a new contract and professing his love for the Blues – might well be one of them.
“It is a bit of a strange one – but it didn’t entirely come out of the blue,” explains BBC Sport correspondent David Ornstein.
“In January 2018 there was some late interest on deadline day from Arsenal for Luiz and since then the Gunners have brought in Unai Emery – who he worked with briefly at Paris St-Germain – while Edu, who knows him from Brazil, is Arsenal’s technical director.”
The departure of club captain Laurent Koscielny to French side Bordeaux on Wednesday sharpened Arsenal’s search for a proven Premier League centre-back.
Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend believes signing Luiz for £8m is “extremely good business” for the Gunners.
“He is exactly the type of centre-half they needed to acquire. I think he is the right fit at this particular juncture for Arsenal,” he said.
“When you think Brighton have taken Adam Webster for £20m from Bristol City, without any Premier League experience or top-flight know-how – and that’s no slight on a very good young player – to get a deal like this done is shrewd.
“There will be a few raised eyebrows but he can be exceptional on his day and I think he is a leader in his own right.”
Why Spurs should not be distraught by Dybala deal collapsing
Tottenham looked on the verge of signing Juventus forward Paulo Dybala when the north London club swooped in after his proposed move to Manchester United collapsed because of his wage demands.
Then, in a classic deadline day twist, the Italian champions decided to pull the plug on the deal, leaving plenty of Spurs fans disappointed not to land what would have been a marquee signing.
On reflection, they may well still see it as a strong summer, with the club-record deal for Tanguy Ndombele followed by the arrivals of England Under-21 winger Ryan Sessegnon and Argentina midfielder Giovani lo Celso. on deadline day.
“Tottenham have had a standout window,” ESPN football journalist Melissa Reddy told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They have made signings in key areas and with pedigree, aligned with the fact they have continuity and consistency.
“They were desperate for a refresh which they now have. All along I had a feeling it would be Manchester City and Liverpool plus the rest – now I think it’s Manchester City and Liverpool, and Tottenham will worry the other two more than any other club.”
Ian Dennis, BBC Radio 5 live’s chief football reporter, added: “I never thought the Dybala deal was going to happen. It was just too expensive and too complicated with his demands and the image rights.
“I think all in all the Tottenham people have delivered the players that Mauricio Pochettino wanted.”
It will be the future of another attacking midfielder, Christian Eriksen, which will now occupy the minds of Spurs fans. He is thought to be keen on a move to Spain and the La Liga transfer window does not close until 2 September.

Does Lukaku exit leave Manchester United short up front?
If football was solely about statistics then Romelu Lukaku probably would not have been sold by Manchester United.
Lukaku, 26, scored 42 goals in 96 games for United but he was still allowed to join Italian side Inter Milan on deadline day – just two years after his £75m move from Everton.
Only seven players have scored more Premier League goals over the past two seasons.

Yet it is telling United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy to sanction the move, while plenty of Red Devils supporters – critical of the Belgian’s work-rate and ability to hold up the ball – were hardly furious he was allowed to leave.
United legend Gary Neville questioned Lukaku’s professionalism and commitment to his former club, an emoji waving goodbye to the striker indicating his feelings.

Despite his scoring record, Lukaku found himself overlooked by Solskjaer last season and was left on the bench for several big games.
The United manager, favouring a quicker, more mobile striker, instead went with England international Marcus Rashford and has also talked up Anthony Martial during pre-season, saying the France forward has the “world class attributes” to flourish in a central role.
Added to that is the emergence of 17-year-old Mason Greenwood, who Rashford says has “frightening natural abilities”.
Whether any of these three – or a combination of them – can step up and increase their goal tallies in Lukaku’s absence is the question to which United supporters do not yet know the answer.
“I knew Lukaku was going but I never thought Manchester United would get another forward in,” BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone said.
“I think the club felt they have already got – for the way Solskjaer wants to play – the forwards they needed.”
| Goals scored by United players in all competitions since Lukaku arrived in 2017-18 | |
|---|---|
| Romelu Lukaku | 42 |
| Marcus Rashford | 26 |
| Anthony Martial | 23 |
| Paul Pogba | 22 |
| Jesse Lingard | 18 |
How key is Zaha staying for Palace?
“He’s an important player for the club and I’m looking forward to him doing this season what he has done for the past two seasons.”
No wonder Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson looked pleased as he confirmed Wilfried Zaha was staying put at Selhurst Park.
Ivory Coast international Zaha, 26, reportedly put in a transfer request as a deadline-day move to Everton looked likely, only for the Toffees to be unable to strike a deal as Palace played hardball over a player who has been instrumental in keeping them up.
The evidence is clear; when Zaha does not play, Palace struggle.
The Eagles talisman has missed just 15 league matches since 1 January, 2017 – and in those games the Eagles have won only six points from a possible 45.

Added to that, Zaha’s pace and trickery is a nightmare for top-flight defenders and has led to him winning 11 penalties over the past three seasons – a tally only bettered by Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling.
Luka Milivojevic – Palace’s precise penalty-taker – will be rubbing his hands with glee…
Is Carroll coming home a gamble for Newcastle?
Andy Carroll leaving Newcastle in a £35m move to Liverpool was one of the big stories of transfer deadline day in January 2011 – and eight-and-a-half years later, his return to St James’ Park is another.
But will the 30-year-old striker be able to shake his injury problems and rediscover the form which made him a Gallowgate darling?
Carroll scored 31 league goals in 80 matches during his first period at the club, including 11 in his final 19 games before his shock departure.
Having completed 90 minutes in just four Premier League matches over the past two seasons, the fear is the Geordie will not be fit enough regularly to make a significant impact at his boyhood club.

“I think for Newcastle that is a no-brainer,” Townsend says.
“Andy knows that when he’s asked to play week in week out his body lets him down. So he has to accept that he is not going to play every week and is happy to affect matches.
“I think he has to have a change of mentality in the way he thinks and the way he prepares. If he is available for 25 games – set yourself a target – it could be a good bit of business.”
News
Obeena Delivers Show-Stopping Performance at Igbotic Game Night in East London


East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.

His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
News
Afrocentric Music Festival Invites 1,000 Music Artists!

Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness

Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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