EPL Transfer News: 12 Biggest Deals That Will Affect the Premiership Race

Arsene Wenger needed to go out and make some big signings on transfer deadline day, and boy, did he ever. 

Arsenal added several players on the final day, but the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea got most of their business done earlier in the transfer window. 

But even newly promoted Queen's Park Rangers was in on the transfer action this summer as Neil Warnock made 12 signings this summer in hopes of keeping his club up. 

Speaking of 12, let's take a look at the 12 biggest deals in the English Premier League this summer, in no particular order.  

Scott Dann to Blackburn

Blackburn are already favorites to be relegated after three straight losses to open the season, but partnering Chris Samba and Scott Dann in defense can turn that around. 

Teams fighting for survival can't conced tons of goals, especially against their relegation rivals, so Dann and Samba together will be able to keep the opponents out.

But then it's up to the forwards, including fellow deadline-day signing Yakubu from Everton, to give them at least a goal to cling to. 

Peter Crouch to Stoke

Tony Pulis was very busy on deadline day, and his biggest signing was Tottenham's out-of-favor front man Peter Crouch. 

Just imagine all those Rory Delap javelin-like throw-ins being aimed at someone five inches taller than his nearest defender. 

Stoke had a very successful season last year, finishing as runners-up in the FA Cup, earning them a spot in this year's Europa League.

The addition of Crouch gives them a scoring threat and could see them make a deep run in Europe.

Crouch has been disappointing the last few years however, but he may now be at the right team. 

With Crouch and Cameron Jerome, expect to see Stoke in the top half of the table come May. 

Ashley Young to Manchester United

In just four games, Ashley Young looks like he's been playing for Manchester United for years. 

Nothing more to say other than he's a great signing, and he'll score for United just as much as he creates. 

Raul Meireles to Chelsea

Raul Meireles to Chelsea was by far the sneakiest deal of deadline day.

Liverpool announced the midfielder had submitted a transfer request just 30 minutes before the window closed, and Chelsea announced he'd signed a four-year deal right as time expired.

Chelsea couldn't get Luka Modric from Tottenham, but Meireles offers them a different kind of creativity from midfield.

It'll be interesting to see how he fits at Chelsea, but perhaps he's the player who can finally get Fernando Torres to click.

Meireles' departure could hurt Liverpool if their many midfielders battle injuries, but that's the good thing about having so many.  

Scott Parker to Tottenham

Last year's FWA Footballer of the Year came back to the top flight on deadline day as Tottenham snapped up Scott Parker from West Ham. 

Parker will be a strong presence in Spurs' midfield and can maybe help them turn their season around.

The real surprise is he's come in to play with Luka Modric instead of in place of him. Why Harry Redknapp clung so desperately to a player who clearly did not want to be there is beyond me. 

David De Gea to Manchester United

David de Gea was signed as Edwin van der Sar's replacement basically back in May, but he hasn't provided a ton of confidence as of yet. 

With Manchester United's defense in a bit of a flux because of injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and the very young age of their replacements, the Red Devils need a solid goalkeeper. 

He's been pretty solid in his first four games with just a moment or two of weakness, but the best teams will exploit that. 

Sir Alex Ferguson made some great signings this summer, and this was one, but this is also the one that the Red Devils' season hinges on most. 

Sergio Aguero to Manchester City

Sergio Aguero was Manchester City's biggest signing this summer, and he hasn't disappointed. 

He's been lively in his first three games, he's coped with style of the Premier League and he's already on the score sheet. 

With Aguero leading the City attack, it's impossible to overlook them in any competition. 

Charlie Adam to Liverpool

Charlie Adam came to Liverpool in July, and he can finally cure the Reds of their over-reliance on Steven Gerrard.

Adam offers the leadership qualities that Liverpool have missed so much in recent years when Gerrard has been out, and when the two can finally suit up together in the coming weeks, it should add a new dimension to Liverpool's attack. 

With Adam just one of several big signings for Liverpool this season, the Reds could be aiming for more than just a top-four finish this year. 

Per Mertesacker to Arsenal

It took right up until the deadline, but Arsene Wenger finally brought a proper centre-back to Arsenal. 

Per Mertesacker is vastly experienced for Germany and Werder Bremen, and partnering Thomas Vermaelen in defense, Arsenal will not be easy to score on.

They have a lot of ground to make up already though.

Samir Nasri to Manchester City

Samir Nasri slotted right in with Manchester City, adding another dimension to their attack, and they were even doing just fine without him.

City are very serious about winning the Premier League and the Champions League, and you can't count them out any longer. 

Juan Mata to Chelsea

Chelsea's best signing of the summer was to snap up Valencia's Juan Mata just as Arsenal fell out of the race. 

Mata showed on his debut against Norwich that he will be an electric player in the Premier League, and he certainly has the pace to keep up. 

If he can get Chelsea's forwards on the same page, Chelsea could have a very successful season.

Mikel Arteta to Arsenal

Mikel Arteta was definitely the swoop of deadline day. It immediately strengthens Arsenal and very much weakens Everton.

The Spanish midfielder is experienced and skillful and will certainly help fill the holes left by Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. 

He may not be enough to win Arsenal the title, but Arteta's arrival immediately changes Arsenal's season.

One thing to be wary of, however: Arteta did play for the Barcelona B team for a time, so they will probably try to claim him, and we'll become engulfed in a never-ending Arsenal vs. Barcelona transfer saga for years to come.