Tottenham and Chelsea lead the way as transfer window nears its end

Erik Lamela hopes to succeed in England

Spurs were the center of attraction even before the transfer season started. Gareth Bale was touted as the next big thing in world football after Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar. The Welshman was always bound to be linked with the ‘big’ teams, thanks to his heroics which helped Spurs get a Europa League berth.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, was renowned to play hardball when it came to selling his players. Real Madrid and Manchester United were the only realistic destinations for Bale, and it was the Spanish who took the lead.

With the world record transfer getting its final polishes, Spurs went out and staked their claim in the market. AVB, with his previous scouting experience brought in six players for a combined fee of £95.7 million. The latest of those being Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches.

Erik Lamela was one of the exciting prospects in Italian football last season. He was bought by Roma in 2011 from Argentinian club River Plate, where he also had his youth career. He has the ability play anywhere in the attack line and is blessed with natural pace and skill. One can compare him to the likes of Eden Hazard or Neymar. Where he would fit in the Spurs team is a big question, putting the future of Aaron Lennon in doubt.

The sale of Steven Caulker to Cardiff and the release of William Gallas on free transfer meant they needed a decent cover at center-back position. Vlad Chiriches of Steua Bucharest was seen as a viable option. AVB could be in the market for another defender, as going into the season with four center-backs is a risky proposition.

All in all, Chelsea and Spurs were the front runners in the transfer market, acquiring some good talent and making the English League richer with quality players. It was London that was the destination for many footballers new to the Premier League, with Arsenal yet to start spending on players.

Few of the other transfers that have the chance of going through before the window shuts close on September 2nd are:

1) Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United

2) Christian Atsu to Chelsea, Victor Moses and Demba Ba out on loan.

3) Christian Eriksen to Spurs

4) Martin Demicheles to Man City

5) Mamadou Sakho to Liverpool

About the author

The Rational Pie (www.therationalpie.com) is an Indian perspective of the entire Sporting world. From tactical tear-downs of Footballing battles to Analytical Cricket reviews for this frenzy nation, TRP also dips into the intricacies of F1 and Tennis. Uncompromising quality, freshness in reporting and Sports in our veins......A BITSian venture.

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Edited by Staff Editor