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English Premier League top 5 transfers A list of the top five close-season signings in the English Premier League ahead of the new season, which gets underway on Saturday
1-Diego Costa (from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea) Chelsea moved to strengthen their sterile frontline by signing Brazilian born striker Diego Costa, who featured with Spain at the World Cup after playing a key role in helping Atletico Madrid pull off a major upset by winning the Spanish La Liga title last season. The burly frontman, who notched 27 goals in La Liga last term, joined Chelsea on a five-year deal for $53.9 million. ## 2-Alexis Sanchez (from Barcelona to Arsenal) Long criticised for their lack of big-name signings, Arsenal signaled their intent of mounting a serious challenge for the Premier League title after signing Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez from Spanish giants Barcelona, a year after they bought Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid for a club record fee. Sanchez, who can operate as a winger or deep-lying forward, joined Arsenal for $59.5 million. ## 3-Cesc Fabregas (from Barcelona to Chelsea) Another big-name signing for Chelsea saw former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas return to the Premier League after ending a three-year stint with Barcelona. The versatile player, who can play as a holding midfielder or in an advanced attacking position, moved to Chelsea on a five-year deal for $45 million. ## 4- Ander Herrera (From Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United) Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera became Manchester United's first summer acquisition following a disappointing season in which they finished seventh in the Premier League. The 24-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Red Devils after the club triggered a $49 million buy-out clause in his deal with the Basque outfit. ## 5- Adam Lallana (From Southampton to Liverpool) A hot prospect in English football, midfielder Adam Lallana was snapped up by Liverpool from Southampton after he took part in a disappointing World Cup campaign with England. He joined last season's Premier League runners-up on a long-term deal for $42.5 million. ## (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/108525.aspx