EPL 2016-17: Most expensive transfer XI

Defenders

John Stones was one of the most expensive signings in the window

Playing at the centre of the backline will be Manchester City’s John Stones (€55.60m). Pep Guardiola noticed the tactical prowess of Stones and signed the English defender from Everton. Possessing excellent ball-playing qualities for a centre-back, Stones will be key to Guardiola’s debut Premier League campaign and should get better under the Spanish manager.

Stones will be partnered by a player from each of the London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea. After lengthy negotiations with Spanish club Valencia, Arsene Wenger finally acquired the services of Shkodran Mustafi (€41m) to partner the experienced Laurent Koscielny in defence. With Mustafi likely to make his debut on matchday-3 against Southampton, the fans will hope that he will be the answer to Arsenal’s defensive woes.

David Luiz (€38.5m) is the latest addition to the list of players who have returned to their old clubs this season. David Luiz is likely to replace ageing John Terry at the back, who was provided with a one-year contract extension at the end of last season.