The chasing pack

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The teams hoping to break into the top four all strengthened their cases with some astute deals.

Arsenal met a 45 million release clause to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey just minutes before the deadline, a deal that followed their signings of Chelsea winger Willian and Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes earlier in the window.

The return of prodigal son Gareth Bale on loan from Real Madrid was a coup for Tottenham, who also signed Matt Doherty, Sergio Reguilon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Unbeaten table toppers Everton have been revitalised by the arrival of Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, while Carlo Ancelotti's rebuild included deals for Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ben Godfrey and Robin Olsen.

- Agencies via Xinhua