Premier League's Deadline Day Drama: A Look Back at Important Transfers

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Deadline Day in the Premier League is one of the most thrilling and frenzied periods of the football calendar. It's the day when clubs scramble to finalize their squads for the upcoming season, resulting in a flurry of last-minute deals, surprise signings, and unexpected departures. Over the years, the Premier League's Deadline Day has produced some unforgettable moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we'll take a journey through time to revisit some of the most important transfers that went through on Deadline Day. 

Robin van Persie - Arsenal to Manchester United (2012) 

One of the most significant Deadline Day transfers in Premier League history was the shock move of Robin van Persie from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer of 2012. Van Persie, who had been Arsenal's talismanic captain, made the move to Old Trafford and played a crucial role in helping Manchester United secure their 20th league title that season. His 26 league goals were pivotal in tipping the balance in United's favor. 

Fernando Torres - Liverpool to Chelsea (2011) 

In another headline-grabbing transfer, Chelsea made a bold move by signing Fernando Torres from Liverpool on Deadline Day in January 2011. The Spanish striker was a sensation at Anfield, but his form had dipped prior to the transfer. Despite a hefty price tag, Torres struggled to replicate his Liverpool performances at Chelsea, marking this transfer as one of Deadline Day's most memorable but contentious deals. 

Mesut Özil - Real Madrid to Arsenal (2013) 

Arsenal pulled off a major coup on Deadline Day in the summer of 2013 when they secured the signing of German playmaker Mesut Özil from Real Madrid. The move was a statement of intent from Arsenal and showed that they were willing to invest in marquee signings. Özil's creativity and vision revitalized the team and became a catalyst for their future successes. 

Alexis Sánchez - Arsenal to Manchester United (2018) 

In a swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alexis Sánchez made a shock move from Arsenal to Manchester United on Deadline Day in January 2018. The Chilean forward had been a standout performer for Arsenal but struggled to find his rhythm at Old Trafford, leading to mixed opinions about the transfer. This deal remains a prime example of the unpredictable outcomes that Deadline Day can bring. 

David Luiz - Chelsea to Arsenal (2019) 

In a surprising Deadline Day move, David Luiz left Chelsea to join cross-town rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2019. The Brazilian defender added experience and leadership to the Arsenal backline but also faced criticism for inconsistency. 

Thomas Partey - Atletico Madrid to Arsenal (2020) 

Arsenal struck Deadline Day gold once again in October 2020 when they secured the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid. The Gunners activated Partey's release clause, reinforcing their midfield with a dynamic and defensively astute player. Partey's arrival was met with enthusiasm from Arsenal fans. 

Cristiano Ronaldo – Juventus to Manchester United (2021) 

The return of a hero. A deal was struck between the clubs on August 27th, but personal terms and the medical test was not done until the last day of the transfer window. After being in talks with rival Manchester City, Ronaldo chose to come back to the club he previously kickstarted his career. The return was a shock for many, and a massive delight for all fans wanting to see him at Old Trafford again. 

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