Chapter 390

In July, while leagues were busy filling gaps in their teams, Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, made the first move.

Xabi Alonso, Yaya Toure, Thiago Silva, Vincent Kompany, and Samir Nasri cost Arsenal PS60.5 million.

However, selling five players only brought in PS19 million.

Arsenal's transfer spree didn't stop there; they also eyed Valencia's stars Juan Mata and David Silva, and after acquiring David Sanchez the previous year, they went for it again this year.

Arsenal seemed to be forming a powerful trio like that of the Batclan.

When Charles learned in mid-July that they secured these five players, he quickly started negotiations with Manchester City.

The new Middle Eastern investors didn't attract many players. After seeing Kompany, Silva, and Toure sign with Arsenal, Charles felt the need to strengthen Manchester City.

Defensive core Kolo Toure and William Gallas joined Manchester City for PS18 million and PS9 million, respectively, while midfielder Sane moved for PS3 million.

Due to Neuer becoming Arsenal's main goalkeeper last season, Almunia, unwilling to be a backup, was sent to West Bromwich Albion for PS3 million.

As for Arsenal's main striker Adebayor, who didn't accept the club's pay terms, Arsenal priced him at PS28.6 million, which Manchester City accepted.

Arsenal's baffling moves left other Premier League clubs questioning how the champions lost so many key players.

Later, Arsenal announced the PS12.5 million signing of Ajax striker Luis Suarez, who joined only last season.

Additionally, Arsenal paid PS30 million for Valencia's Spanish midfield stars David Silva and Juan Mata.

Arsenal's summer investment shocked all of Europe; the club, with its youthful storm, continued by signing eight players all in their twenties.

However, Arsenal recouped PS80.6 million from player sales during the summer transfer window.

"Manchester United bid PS22 million for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, but Tottenham rejected the offer. Berbatov himself expressed great dissatisfaction with Tottenham and wanted to join Manchester United."

"Liverpool introduced Robbie Keane from Tottenham for PS21.6 million."

"Pep Guardiola took over Barcelona's coaching position, with Deco and Ronaldinho transferring to Chelsea and Milan for EUR10 million and EUR25 million, respectively."

"Alves transferred from Sevilla to Barcelona for EUR30 million."

"AC Milan and Chelsea discussed bringing Shevchenko back to the San Siro Stadium!"

With the Premier League and European league transfer markets open, the financial crisis year still saw significant spending.

The Financial Times: "The Premier League leads in summer spending among all leagues."

The Guardian: "Arsenal signed 13 players and let go of 14 this year!"

The Daily Telegraph: "Manchester City, under new ownership by the Abu Dhabi consortium, witnessed Arsenal's main players leaving."

The Sun: "New era for the Premier League with Middle Eastern tycoons and Hollywood moguls!"

As last season's champions, Arsenal made significant transfers, while Manchester City, newly owned, didn't have much time to manage this year's transfers.

Arsenal's core players confirmed their capabilities in the Premier League, ensuring team strength improvement upon joining.

...

On July 18th, Mamma Mia! premiered in North America, earning $29 million in its opening weekend.

However, many European regions started showing it on July 11th, and by July 21st, overseas market revenue had crossed $100 million!

At Charles' villa in Knightsbridge, London, he lounged on a sofa, absorbed in reading news.

Kate Beckinsale, holding some newspapers, sat beside Charles. "There's a lot of news about Arsenal; even Manchester City isn't as buzz-worthy as you guys."

Charles put down his paper, pondering about Manchester City's bids. Atletico Madrid's main striker Aguero and AC Milan's Kaka were their targets. But just having taken ownership, they lacked finalized plans, and stars like them weren't keen on joining yet.

"Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is rich. Look, I sold many players to them," Charles said nonchalantly, though selling Adebayor puzzled many fans.

"Middle Eastern foundations, lots of oil!" Kate Beckinsale was delighted that Charles stayed in London for such a long time.

"Indeed, oil wealth," Charles chuckled, recalling how Roman Abramovich also amassed riches through Siberian oil.

"Oh, are you leaving London to travel with your daughter soon?" Charles inquired. Kate Beckinsale had an eight-year-old daughter.

Kate nodded, "I went back to see her a few days ago and promised her a trip."

Pulling Charles closer and pressing onto him, Kate said, "That means I can't stay with you!"

"That's alright, I'm leaving soon too. I've been here long enough," Charles placed his hands on her waist, smiling.

"With all this ice cream, haven't you had enough yet?"

Kate whispered into his ear casually, "I've been working out, and shooting action movies for years means I'm in better shape than other women."

"Still, I can't win against you, and I do love ice cream!" she added with a playful tone.

"Seriously?" Charles leaned in to kiss her.

"Tonight, wear that black leather outfit again!"

Kate's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Should I bring the fangs too? Vampire vibes, you know!"

"Oh no!" Charles quickly shook his head. "Last time, you bit me, and it really hurt!"

Despite being fake, Kate's vampire fangs were sharper than ordinary teeth.

"I'll be careful this time, promise," Kate said, grasping Charles.

"Alright, let's give it a try then," Charles whispered into her ear, "I've been busy these past days with plenty of ice cream. Can you handle it?"

"I have a big appetite," Kate kissed him and got up.

"What do you want to eat? I'll cook."

"Anything is fine!"

*****

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