Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and the 8 Best Premier League Signings of the 2023/24 Season

• Premier League clubs spent massively during the 2023 summer transfer window
• Arsenal are among the top clubs who spent big with the acquisition of Declan Rice
• Sports Brief examines the eight best signings of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign

In recent seasons, Premier League clubs, particularly Chelsea and Manchester United, have made several poor signings.

This trend highlights the challenge of getting a good value when selling clubs, knowing how wealthy the buyers are. However, not all transfers have been disappointing.

Despite these struggles, some signings have thrived in the 2023-24 season.

From free agents rediscovering their form to high-priced players proving their worth quickly, Sports Brief examines the eight best signings of the Premier League season.

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8 best Premier League signings

8. Mohammed Kudus - West Ham (£38m)

Kudus' final act for Ajax was scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 Europa League qualification win over Ludogorets. This excited West Ham fans ahead of his £38m ($47.4m) move, and he's since delivered numerous magical moments in his first season at the club. Despite being slowly integrated by David Moyes, Kudus is now a key player. His unexpected plays have kept fans engaged during a challenging season.

7. Guglielmo Vicario - Tottenham (£17.2m)

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham all changed goalkeepers this summer. Spurs, after being linked with higher-profile names, chose Empoli's Vicario as their new No.1.

Despite little hype, Vicario proved a wise choice, fitting well with Ange Postecoglou's high line—a challenge for Hugo Lloris. Vicario's basics have impressed, and although he needs to improve his command in the box, he's been an inspired signing despite set-piece struggles.

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6. Micky van de Ven - Tottenham (£34.5m)

Van de Ven is crucial to Tottenham's play, an impressive feat given his short time at the club. No Premier League striker can outrun him, making him essential to Spurs' high defensive line.

Unsurprisingly, Spurs won only four of the nine games he missed due to a hamstring injury in November and December.

5. Kai Havertz - Arsenal (£65m)

After Christmas, Havertz overcame his challenging start, delivering outstanding performances.

Now with double figures in goals and a good number of assists, his impact goes beyond stats. Leading the line, he provides a physical presence and creates space for teammates, enabling Arteta's side to thrive. While he may have wanted more goals, his signing is undeniably a success.

4. David Raya - Arsenal (loan)

Mikel Arteta's decision to replace Arsenal's No.1 Aaron Ramsdale with Raya last summer sparked widespread outcry, even involving Ramsdale's father.

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However, Arteta has been vindicated as Raya's exceptional distribution and handling of crosses have shone. Raya is set to receive the Premier League Golden Glove, proving his critics wrong.

3. Alexis Mac Allister - Liverpool (£35m)

In a summer where midfielders cost over £100m ($125m), Liverpool's acquisition of Mac Allister for less than half that is remarkable.

Despite being less expensive than players like Declan Rice, Romeo Lavia, and Moises Caicedo, Mac Allister has significantly impacted Liverpool.

Unlike his teammates during the title run-in, he has consistently kept a cool head, dictating play from midfield.

2. Declan Rice - Arsenal (£100m)

Rice's incredible influence in north London makes his price tag irrelevant; West Ham might even feel short-changed despite the nine-figure fee.

Regardless of his position in midfield, Rice has consistently been Arsenal's standout player, elevating Arteta's side over the past nine months.

1. Cole Palmer - Chelsea (£42.5m)

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Initially, Palmer seemed like Chelsea's most inconsequential summer signing. The Blues only turned to the Man City benchwarmer after their bid for Michael Olise was rejected by Crystal Palace, making him one of the last of 11 new arrivals at Stamford Bridge.

However, Palmer has become their most impactful signing in years. Despite the team's lack of structure and coherence, he has shone brightly, even challenging Erling Haaland for the Premier League Golden Boot.