Manchester City signed Nico Gonzalez from Porto in the biggest move from Premier League clubs on Monday’s transfer deadline day, while Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel headed to Tottenham on loan.
City’s midfield frailties without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is out for the season due to a serious knee injury, were exposed in a 5-1 thrashing at Arsenal on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s men find themselves in a battle just to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with the defending champions sitting fifth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
City were also in need of reinforcements for a blockbuster Champions League play-off round tie against holders Real Madrid later this month.
Former Barcelona midfielder Gonzalez, 23, arrives for a reported fee of 60 million euros (£50 million, $62 million).
“This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career,” said Gonzalez.
“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.”
City have already splashed out more than £120 million in January on Egypt forward Omar Marmoush and young defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
– Tel’s U-turn –
Tottenham were busy in the final hours of the window as they bolstered Ange Postecoglou’s injury-ravaged squad.
Tel reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Spurs earlier in the window after a £50 million deal was agreed with the German giants.
But the French under-21 international has now moved to north London until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Spurs, though, were frustrated in their bid to add more defensive recruits on deadline day.
The BBC reported Crystal Palace rejected a £70 million bid for captain
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