Summer transfer window 2014: End of term report

ARSENAL

Danny Welbeck might not have been Arsenal supporters’ notion of the world-class striker that was needed but there is already a palpable sense that fans are warming to the idea. After all, this is a 23-year-old England international with UEFA Champions League experience and a Premier League winners’ medal to his name. Elsewhere, Mathieu Debuchy looks an adequate replacement for Bacary Sagna, while Calum Chambers is a player of vast potential. Perhaps if Welbeck had been acquired earlier and it was Alexis Sanchez secured on deadline day then there would be unanimous agreement this was a good window for Arsene Wenger and the club.

CHARLIE’S VIEW: “I am personally very happy. A striker was required, I would have liked another holding midfield player, but I think the striker position was essential. They have brought in pace, they have brought in movement. Not guaranteed goals, but I am happy with the fact Arsene Wenger went in and got another No.9.”

SKY BET SAY: Danny Welbeck for Premier League top scorer – 33/1

ASTON VILLA

Many were predicting doom for Villa this summer given the ownership situation at the club and the early signings of Philippe Senderos, Joe Cole and Kieran Richardson did little to change that mood – especially with Ron Vlaar seemingly set for the exit door. Instead Senderos and Vlaar have already formed a fine partnership with Paul Lambert’s men taking seven points from their first three games. With midfielder Carlos Sanchez looking like a good signing at a reasonable price and Tom Cleverley’s loan arrival coming with the hope that the Manchester United man could finally fulfil his potential, things may have worked out rather better than anticipated.

CHARLIE’S VIEW: “I have to say it has all been pretty good. I watched Villa when they won on the opening day of the season at Stoke. Senderos and Vlaar so far have been impressive, and the fact they have kept Vlaar through this window is a big, big plus. They are looking stronger and I think it has been a good window for them.”

SKY BET SAY: Aston Villa as the top Midlands club in the Premier League – 15/8

BURNLEY

Working with the smallest budget in the Premier League, Sean Dyche’s primary concern has been to add tried-and-trusted performers in order to give some depth to his squad. Experienced heads such as Matty Taylor, Steven Reid and Stephen Ward are unlikely to transform fortunes too dramatically but Dyche went to the other end of the spectrum on deadline day in bringing in loan youngsters Michael Keane from Manchester United and Nathaniel Chalobah from Chelsea. Although George Boyd is a more expensive acquisition from Hull, it means Dyche has got good balance to his squad while keeping long-term wage commitments in check.

CHARLIE’S VIEW: “They have not lost many players and have got a really good, strong-spirited group. I quite like what they have done in this window. It does not change the way they play, and all it does is give them extra options, but if they were really going for it they would have splashed the cash a little bi