Summer Signings Report Card: Arsenal and Chelsea

Shifting focus to the Premier League now, today's post is about Arsenal and Chelsea's transfer dealings. Both of them were rumored to spend big and names like Ribery and Aguero were thrown about. Let's see how good their dealings were:

Arsenal:

1. Thomas Vermaelen: The Arsenal squad was crying out for some experience in defense and Wenger brings in a 24 year old kid who played in the Dutch league? Many said that this was evidence that Wenger had finally gone nuts. But, as usual, there is no fooling Wenger's keen eye for talent. Vermaelen has been a sensation this season. He has fitted into the backline as if he was always there and is the leading goalscoring defender. Tall and strong, with a no-nonsense approach, this signing is typically "Arsene'.

Overall Grade: A+, everything that you want a transfer to be- cheap, effective and complete.

2. Sol Campbell: Some would say that Wenger did bring in experience in the team in the form of this signing. It was quite a coincidence that Campbell was training with Arsenal when an injury crisis struck them and he was signed on. Now, this guy is 35 and he was never known for his pace even in his best days. His is still technically good and that is the only salvaging bit about this transfer.

Overall Grade: B-, somewhat effective, but it's quite early to judge the full impact that he will have.

Chelsea:

1. Yuri Zhirkov: A costly signing at 18M pounds and primarily a left back, many felt it was a bit too much for a backup. Not only that, he was a player who deserved more than a backup role. A few injuries have limited his appearances, though Ancelotti's tactics have seen him play everywhere along the left side of the ground. Quick and an excellent crosser, his skills were never in doubt but the question remains as to the lack of opportunities for him. He's made only 11 appearances this season and as such failed to make an impact.

Overall Grade: B-, again his effectiveness is in question, but he can prove me wrong.

2. Daniel Sturridge: A controversial transfer (Chelsea must be used to those by now), this highly rated English youngster cam from the stables of Manchester City and has had a fair run in the Chelsea first team too. After a total of 15 appearances so far this season, he has scored 4 goals for his new team. He was voted the Best Young Player at City and everyone agrees that the kid is talented. We have all seen talented youngsters lose their way if they join a big club, let's hope this one isn't.

Overall grade: B, cannot rate him on effectiveness, but a youngster is always a welcome addition to the ageing Chelsea squad.

Summer Signings Report Card: AC Milan

We all know how important summer signings are for today's top football teams. Be it a backup player or a marquee signing who will provide match-winning moments, it is a mad race out there for the players. So, how effective have these decision been? Let's recap and review the summer dealings of the "big" teams. I will rate each signing on a scale of A+ to F based on the expectations we had from them and how far have they lived up to it. To begin with, I'm picking the mighty Milanese outfit. Milan have endured a few disastrous seasons and everyone believed that a few shrewd summer signings can change things around.

1.Thiago Silva: The big Brazilian from Fluminense had signed earlier but could only start playing this season. Milan were truly struggling in the central defense position as there was no one decent enough to play alongside the ageing but still classy Nesta. Enter Silva, a no-nonsense big strong classic center back and Milan's problems decreased considerably. He is very effective in the air, a good marker and hardly has any concentration lapses. His speed is on the slower side, but for a league like Serie A it is more than enough. Silva's highlight of the season has been his penetrating forward runs which has unsettled many oppositions. A consistent player, he has contributed 2 goals to Milan's campaign this season.

Overall Grade: A- , effective but not spectacular.

2.Ignazio Abate: Not a true summer signing as he has been a Milan player since his early days, but was sent on loan time and again. His performance for Torino as a right winger earned him plaudits and Milan decided to give him a shot in the first team. But, due to Milan's tight and narrow formation, he had to be content sitting on the bench for most part of the early season. As Milan struggled with some stability at the right back position, Abate was drafted in and has since been solid if not excellent. He is now a regular at that position, but he is not a natural defender and is badly exposed if any side plays half-decent wingers.

Overall Grade: B- , not spectacular and only just about effective. If you don't need a winger, you don't sign one.

3.Oguchi Onyewu: Onye who? That was the reaction from most people when Milan signed this US international for a free transfer. Having spent a major part of his career with Standard Leige and a short loan spell with Newcastle, I think Milan signed him on the basis of his very successful Confederations Cup campaign with USA. He is tall and strong but has struggled for form with the Milan outfit. In his defense, he has not been given enough opportunities either with Bonera being preferred as the backup DC.

Overall Grade: C , not a bad player but not Milan quality either.

4.Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: A personal favorite, the "Hunter" was one of Europe's top marksmen before leaving Ajax. An inconsistent and dry spell with Madrid lowered his market value and he was sold to Milan for 15M euros. I thought well, at least now he will get more playing time and can shine once again. But that was not to happen. Huntelaar's not played enough and has lost his confidence. His goals still speak volumes about his class but they aren't as often as they should be. A return of only 6 goals in 21 appearances is dismal to say the least.

Overall Grade: B- , right thinking as Milan needed a striker like him but he's been a flop.