A busy transfer deadline day at Chelsea ended with Raheem Sterling being loaned out to Premier League rivals Arsenal, while Jadon Sancho arrived at Stamford Bridge from Manchester United.
The fourth transfer window of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea has closed, and as anticipated, it was once again a very busy, and expensive one for the Blues.
In terms of both arrivals and departures this summer, the West Londoners have overseen more than 30 transactions, with Pedro Neto and Joao Felix among the notable signings, while Conor Gallagher bid farewell to the Premier League.
Once again, Chelsea have invested heavily, splashing out over £200m to bolster Enzo Maresca's squad.
While several new signings are geared towards the future, accommodating the influx of talent necessitated the departure of senior players.
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Sterling joins London rivals Arsenal on loan
Chelsea released a brief statement in the early hours of Saturday morning, confirming the loan departure of Raheem Sterling to London rivals Arsenal for the season.
The 29-year-old winger completed a last-minute season-long loan move to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day after it became evident that he had no future at Chelsea under manager Enzo Maresca.
It is understood that his loan move does not include an option or obligation for a permanent transfer at the end of his time at the Emirates.
The move reunites Sterling with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was Pep Guardiola's assistant during much of Sterling's seven-year tenure at Manchester City.
After his switch to Arsenal was confirmed late in the day Chelsea released a statement on their website simply saying: "Good luck, Raheem"
The remainder of the statement detailed the transfer: "Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal.
"Raheem joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and has scored 19 goals across 81 appearances. He will now spend the remainder of the campaign at the Emirates."
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Sancho set to spend 2024-25 season at Stamford Bridge
Following the departure of Sterling, Chelsea completed their final piece of transfer business on deadline day, confirming the signing of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
Sancho will join the Blues on a season-long loan, which includes an obligation for Chelsea to buy him at the end of the term if certain thresholds are met.
It is understood that Chelsea will pay a fee of £23m to make the England international's deal permanent next summer.
The 24-year-old scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 83 appearances for United since joining from Dortmund for £73m three years ago.
The forward was reintroduced to Erik ten Hag's squad this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, but his only involvement so far was a brief cameo off the bench in the Community Shield.
Devesh Jaganath
