Manchester City have announced the signing of 19-year-old Australian Daniel Arzani from their partner club Melbourne City.
Arzani was the youngest player at the 2018 World Cup. He came on as a substitute for the Socceroos in all three group games, including against eventual champions France.
The attacking midfielder is now poised to leave the Premier League champions on a loan deal.
Premier League clubs cannot recruit players on loan after Thursday’s summer transfer deadline, so City appear to be suggesting a move abroad.
City signed Riyad Mahrez from Leicester for £60m and emerging prospects Claudio Gomes, from Paris St Germain, and Philippe Sandler from PEC Zwolle.
The recruitment of Arzani is with an eye on the future.
City Football Group managing director of global football Brian Marwood said on mancity.com: “In a short period of time, Daniel has developed into one of Australia’s brightest young stars and has demonstrated the drive and raw talent required for success at the highest level.
“This pathway was first forged by Aaron Mooy just two years ago, and we are all delighted to see another Australian-grown talent make this move.
“The combination of City Football Group’s global football structure and the world-leading City Football Academy facilities create an environment in which this pathway can become well-trodden.”
Mooy moved to England in June 2016, spending the 2016-17 season on loan at Huddersfield before completing a permanent transfer to the Terriers last summer for a fee which could rise to £10m.
I am really happy and excited to be here @ChelseaFC. It is a privilege and an amazing feeling to be part of this club and I can’t wait to start with trainings and matches. I will try to do my best for this club and hope to bring joy to our fans. pic.twitter.com/OMydrc2i3j
— Mateo Kovačić (@Mateo_Kova23) August 9, 2018
Chelsea have completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.The 24-year-old moves to London as part of the deal that takes Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid.
The Croatian international leaves the Spanish capital after three years at the club following his move from Inter Milan in 2015. Kovacic made just 17 appearances in La Liga last season and moves to the Premier League in search of regular first-team football.
He also played five games during Croatia’s run to the World Cup final this summer. Kovacic told Chelsea’s club website: “I am really happy and excited to be here at Chelsea. It is an amazing feeling. I will try to do my best for this club. “It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season.”
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are very happy to welcome Mateo to the Chelsea family. He is a perfect fit for us this season, his style is well suited to how Maurizio wants to play and we are sure he will prove to be a valuable asset for the club.”