Sancho to Chelsea, Sterling joins Arsenal — and other deadline day EPL transfers

The summer transfer deadline day in Europe was busy for major clubs and players seeking game time and big money moves.

Victor Osimhen, arguably the biggest transfer saga this summer, failed to leave Napoli. Despite the extended negotiation with Chelsea throughout the window, the 25-year-old seems stuck with Antonio Conte, who has made it clear that Osimhen does not feature in his plan for the season.

Unlike the Nigerian, several others managed to switch close just in time before the transfer window snapped shut in the early hours of Saturday.

We look back at a day of rush hour deals.

RAHEEM STERLING  – CHELSEA TO ARSENAL ON LOAN

The former Liverpool youngster joins his fourth major English Premier League (EPL) club following coach Enzo Maresca’s bombshell that the 29-year-old is not in his plans. The England international said he had “hoped for” the move to work with Mikel Arteta again to replicate their Manchester City days when Arteta was still an assistant coach, and he would be expected to bring the best out of a failing Sterling again.

JADON SANCHO — MAN UNITED TO CHELSEA

Another reject has found a new home. Sancho spent the second part of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, and while it looked like he had settled his rift with coach Erik ten Hag, the 24-year-old was again snubbed by the Dutch coach in recent weeks and had been shopping for a new team. Moves to Juventus broke down, and Chelsea stepped in late to get their man. The Blues have an obligation to buy for £20-25m next summer.

IVAN TONEY — BRENTFORD TO AL AHLI 

In previous seasons, the England International has been unsuccessful in his bid to join a bigger club in the EPL, but he finally joined the Saudi Arabia train, where he is expected to earn more money playing for the former Pro League champions.

AARON RAMSDALE – ARSENAL TO SOUTHAMPTON

The shot-stopper lost his place in the starting lineup to Raya last season and looks tired of playing second fiddle as a benchwarmer. He leaves for recently promoted Southampton that need a reliable goalkeeper in their fight to stay in the EPL. Ramsdale has vast experience from his time at Sheffield United and Bournemouth. The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract.

SCOTT MCTOMINAY — MAN UNITED TO NAPOLI

He joined the club at age five, debuted in 2017, and made 255 club appearances but shipped out on deadline day to make room for Ugarte. The Red Devils also made a sizable profit on their academy product. Ten Hag claimed he had “mixed feelings” about letting him leave.

EDDIE NKETIAH — ARSENAL TO CRYSTAL PALACE

The 25-year-old has played second fiddle at Arsenal for a couple of years and decided to seek regular football. The Gunners also held out for their valuation of the academy product. A move to Marseille broke down, but Crystal Palace stepped in and signed their man on a five-year deal.

MANUEL UGARTE — PSG TO MANCHESTER UNITED

The Uruguayan was courted all summer by Man United, who got the deal over the line on deadline day following the exit of McTominay and Sancho. A ball-winning midfielder, Ugarte is United’s fifth summer signing, and the fee could reach £50.5 million if add-ons are met. The 23-year-old is expected to shore up United’s weak midfield and protect a flailing defence.

FRANK ONYEKA — BRENTFORD TO AUGSBURG ON LOAN

While compatriot Osimhen could not finalise his move, Onyeka was able to seal a loan deal to Germany with Augsburg. Stifled for playing time at Brentford, the 26-year-old would hope to return to regular football in the German Bundesliga after three seasons in the EPL.