Transfer Grades: Thiago Alcantara, David Villa, Fer, Benatia and Schwarzer

Mehdi Benatia – Udinese to Roma (£11m)

What’s the deal? Roma sign the impressive Benatia who has improved rapidly and markedly since coming to Udinese from the French second division.

Is the price right? Yes. Udinese don’t sell easily but this is a fair price. He’s got great physical talent but couldn’t really cost more having not really shown himself in the biggest European competition.

Why sign him? Roma are about to sell Marquinhos to PSG so are flush with money and need to replace him. Benatia is a good quality player and not much of an immediate downgrade which should help keep them competitive at the top end of Serie A.

Will it work? Yes. He’s staying in a league that he’s thrived in and if Roma do sign Strootman to pair with De Rossi, he will have an excellent shield in front of him to settle in behind.

Grade: A Although selling Marquinhos isn’t a great idea, this is a good way of replacing him.