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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking finances, many Serie A teams did not hesitate to bolster their squads in the transfer market last summer.
Reigning Serie A champions Juventus spent close to €90 million on new signings; the likes of Inter Milan, AS Roma and Atalanta, to name a few, also kept themselves busy in the transfer window.
Five best arrivals in the 2020-21 Serie A:
Among many new promising arrivals this season, a Real Madrid reject and a talented American in particular, have set the stage alight in the Serie A. On that note, let us have a look at the five best arrivals in the Serie A this campaign.
Honourable mentions: Vedat Muriqi (Lazio) and Brahim Diaz (AC Milan).
#5 Victor Osimhen (Napoli) - €70 million
It speaks volumes about a player's talent when they become the club's most expensive signing at the age of only 22. Victor Osimhen is one such player.
Osimhen, who was signed by Napoli from Lille for a whopping €70 million, is a promising striker with tremendous potential.
With 13 goals, he finished behind only three players - Kylian Mbappe, Wissam Ben Yedder and Moussa Dembele - in the Ligue 1 scoring charts last season.
The Nigerian sensation's career with Napoli has gotten off on a wrong note with a shoulder injury and COVID-19 wreaking havoc on his season. But Osimhen could be the main man in Napoli's attacking vanguard, especially in the Serie A, once he's fully fit.
#4 Pedro (AS Roma) - Free transfer
Seeking to bolster their attack last summer, AS Roma roped in Pedro Rodriguez on a free transfer from Chelsea.
An absolute beast during his prime years at Barcelona, the Spaniard endured five mixed seasons in the Premier League. At 33, Pedro is now looking to wind down his illustrious career in the Serie A.
After a promising start to life at AS Rome, netting four goals and making four assists from his first seven Serie A games, Pedro's season was interrupted by injuries.
He has been struggling with muscle problems since the turn of the year. Nevertheless, the Giallorossi will hope to have him back sooner rather than later.
#3 Weston McKennie (Juventus) - €4.5 million
American football is witnessing a renaissance, as several young and talented players have come to the fore. One such name is Weston McKennie.
The 22-year old wonderkid from Texas is currently rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo at Serie A giants Juventus.
Signed on a season-long loan from Bundesliga side Schalke with an option to buy permanently, the midfielder has shown flashes of his brilliance, demonstrating his ability from a deep-lying defensive role as well as in offence.
An expert passer who can dictate the flow of games, McKennie has the versatility to play across multiple positions; he also possesses the knack of scoring the odd goal.
#2 Arthur (Juventus) - €72 million
Weston McKennie wasn't the only marquee signing Juventus made last summer. Arthur was one of their most expensive acquisitions, costing the club €72 million in a swap deal with Barcelona that involved Miralem Pjanic going the other way.
Still only 24, the Brazilian's ability to find space to make passes and excellent ball-control bely his age. Moreover, his versatility in midfield offer enviable tactical flexibility to the defending Serie A champions.
Arthur had his fair share of ups and downs since arriving in Serie A. But when on song, he has proved to be an absolute beast, orchestrating Juventus' play from the middle of the park.
#1 Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan) - €40 million
Arguably one of the best signings of the Serie A season, Achraf Hakimi has made a flying start to life at Inter Milan after arriving at the San Siro last year.
Rejected at Real Madrid but reborn at Borussia Dortmund, the Moroccan has elevated his game under the tutelage of Antonio Conte, who has got the best out of Hakimi by deploying him in a wing-back role.
Hakimi has netted six times and made five assists in 22 games in the Serie A this season, making him the most prolific full-back in Europe's top five leagues.
The former Real Madrid man has brought a new dimension to the Nerazzurri attack with his purposeful runs, accurate crosses and a keen eye for goal, qualities that can transform a marauding full-back to a modern-day great.
