Transfer News: Top January deals in the Premier League

The January transfer window closed with big moves, including Rashford to Villa and Antony to Betis, while Arsenal and Liverpool made no signings.

Marcus Rashford displaying his shirt after signing for Aston Villa on loan. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The January transfer window slammed shut at midnight with Arsenal fans wondering how difficult it was for their club to find a body upfront to help with goal-scoring challenges that haunted them early in January.

Arsenal might be the biggest losers in the just-concluded window; however, a few teams in the Premier League had fun with good deals, with Aston Villa being the busiest of the lot, but did they really need Axel Disasi from Chelsea?

Unai Emery and Aston Villa are preparing for life in the Champions League knockout phase, and while they wait to learn who their opponent will be in the round of 16, they’re doing their best to improve the squad to also be able to fight for a top six finish in the league.

Marco Asensio joined from PSG, and Marcus Rashford joined from Manchester United. The latter will have the entire British media on the lookout after how it panned out for the England forward at Old Trafford under Amorim.

Aston Villa did allow Jhon Duran to move to the Saudi League; the offer was a staggering one, and most South Americans don’t often say no to money. Villa also blocked any move for Ollie Watkins, who was courted by Arsenal, but to no avail.

Chelsea loaned out Joao Felix to AC Milan. The Portuguese continues to wander about with little purpose, and it’s such a shame on the talent within. The Blues also sent Ben Chilwell on loan to Crystal Palace; you wonder if he’s going to be fit enough there.

Tottenham is in big trouble at both ends of the pitch. Radu Dragusin has torn his ACL, which means he is out for the rest of the season, and Kevin Danso has joined from Ligue 1 to bolster the defence, while Mathijs Tel joined from Bayern Munich to help up front with Dominic Solanke out for a while.

Manchester City spent over £200m on four players as they attempt to claw back a season that has gone too far south. Omar Marmoush joined from Frankfurt, Abdoukhodir Khusanov from Lens, Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, and Nico Gonzalez from Porto while also signing Erling Haaland to a long-term deal.

Manchester United brought in Patrick Dorgu from Lecce to ease their left back problems. While Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven joined to help the defence, they also got Rashford out of the door for all his troubles. Mega money signing Antony was also shipped on loan to Real Betis; is that the end of him?

Liverpool didn’t do any business; it’s a huge risk considering how injury can ruin their season. They and the Gunners—who remain the main challengers to them this season—failed to bring in bodies. Will this have a toll on their respective title charges?