Five biggest transfer moves that can shape EPL 2012-2013

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Eden Hazard of Chelsea controls the ball during the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Villa Park on August 12, 2012 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Though it has been gathering steam in last few days, the transfer market has been relatively quiet this season though the aggregate spending till now is $330m which is way down from $725m last year. Chelsea like previous seasons have been the biggest spenders in the transfer marker and have reinforced their aging midfield with the signing of Hazard, Marin, Oscar and Hulk probably set to arrive before the window closes. Manchester City have been unusually quiet with the only signing so far being the talented Jack Rodwell. Arsenal though have been quite active buying Oliver Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazrola in preparation for inevitable departure of RVP. Manchester United pulled off a major coup landing RVP and Shinji Kagawa. Here is look at the top transfers that can shape up the new season…Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

The most expensive of the summer signings Hazard has been touted as the next big thing in the world of football. He has been voted as the best player of Ligue 1 twice, dubbed as ‘Little Messi’ by his former coach he is just 21. Apart from the failed backheel, he had a encouraging start against City in Community Shield. If he is half as good as his reputation Chelsea have got themselves a great player.

Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)

Its the transfer that has been hogging the limelight recently. After making it clear that he wont be staying at Arsenal this season, the prolific striker secured his move to arch rivals Manchester United much to the ire of Arsenal fans. Given Van Persie’s injury record and the fact that he had one year on his contract, Arsenal would be pocketing 20m for him but United fans will rejoice at the prospect of seeing Rooney and RVP working together in tandem.

Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

The winger/midfielder from Malaga was also a part of Spain’s Euro 2012 winning squad. Cazorla can play on either flank or in attacking midfield and is an intelligent passer of the ball. He should not have too much of a problem getting used to Arsenal’s possession football. Expect him to combine well with fellow Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta as well as new striker Lukas Podolski.

Joe Allen (Liverpool)

After a successful season at Swansea, Brendan Rodgers has embarked on a huge task of rebuilding the Liverpool squad by signing Joe Allen to strengthen the midfield. Tremendous ball-winning ability and good pace aligned with a willingness to play the simple pass, won Allen many admirers at Swansea, but as teammate Charlie Adam will confirm that playing for a club of Liverpool’s stature can be a different ball game altogether.

Jack Rodwell (Manchester City)

Having bought up a number of the world’s top players in the past few seasons City have been understandably quiet in the transfer market much to the frustration of Mancini. Their only major signing so far has been talented Jack Rodwell, the former Everton midfielder who could soon displace Gareth Barry in the City midfield. Aged only 21, he has pace, he is not afraid to take on any player, and can find the net easily.