Joe Cole names ‘signing of the summer’ after Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea spend £900m

Joe Cole has named the ‘signing of the summer’ in the Premier League with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea spending almost £900m on new recruits.

Liverpool spent a club-record £116m to sign Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz and also bolstered Arne Slot’s squad with the additions of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike.

The reigning Premier League champions could yet strengthen even further before the transfer deadline as they pursue Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Manchester United have impressed many with their summer business, bringing in Premier League stars Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford respectively.

Ruben Amorim has also secured a £74m deal for Benjamin Sesko, who was linked with Newcastle and Arsenal before his move to Old Trafford.

Arsenal, runners-up for the past three seasons, could yet take their summer spending beyond £200m, having signed the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have once again been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, strengthening Enzo Maresca’s squad with the signings of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato among others.

Despite the heavy investment throughout the top of the Premier League, ex-England star Cole believes Liverpool’s acquisition of Wirtz is undoubtedly the ‘signing of the summer’.

‘Liverpool have made a massive statement,’ Cole told TNT Sports. ‘When you see a player who can slow the game down like he can when he’s on the ball, he’s absolutely brilliant.

‘I think it’s the signing of the summer. When was the last time Liverpool made a signing like this? For me it’s the statement signing.

‘He’s the best young player in the world and they’ve just spent over £100m to get him. He’s just a natural footballer.

‘The more we talk about Liverpool and their new signings, I just can’t see past them for the title now.

‘For me they are the most clear favourites to win the league we’ve had in the last ten years. The best have got better again and they’ve raised the bar.’

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves added: ‘Florian Wirtz is really unique and that’s probably why they signed him.

‘In those tight spaces he’s probably the best in the world and he’s a good finisher as well. He’s learnt to be the focal point and actually get goals and assists.

‘As much as he cost, I think people will be surprised by how amazing he is. He just gives Liverpool something different. This kid is very unique.

‘The only problem for him is the price-tag because he’s so expensive and people are going to expect crazy numbers, but he will give Liverpool something different.’

Hargreaves also heaped praise on fellow Liverpool summer signing Ekitike, who completed a £69m move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United were all linked with moves for Ekitike before Liverpool swooped in and agreed a deal.

‘I don’t think people realise how good Ekitike is,’ Hargreaves added. ‘I was stood on the pitch when they played Tottenham [in the Europa League last season] in the warm up.

‘He’s massive. I remember standing next to him thinking, “he can play, he’s got a great touch, he’s quick, he can play off the left, play as a striker”. I think he’s going to be amazing this year.

‘He will be a French international very soon and it’s amazing he wants to take on a challenge like this. Obviously he went to PSG and it didn’t really work out, but I think now he’s ready for this.

‘I think he can score 20 goals, easy. I think in the end people are going to be shocked by how talented this kid is.’

Liverpool begin their Premier League title defence on Friday night against Bournemouth.

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