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FLYING STARTERS

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sadio Mane, Nolito, N’Golo Kante… who has been the signing of the season so far?

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs can finally exhale as the transfer window has been slammed shut.

Now managers can get stuck into tactics and training with their complete squads - until January, at least.

Manchester United signed Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Manchester United pushed the boat out to sign superstars Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Frenchman cost a world-record £102million while Ibra was freeCredit: PA:Press Association

Prem clubs splashed out a mind-boggling £1.2BILLION on players over the summer.

In short, a truly ludicrous amount was spent.

But while there was a big rush on deadline day, some players have been in England for quite a while and have made a flying start to their Premier League career.

Here, SunSport runs the rule over the top five signings of the summer so far.

5. GRANIT XHAKA (£30M)

Arsenal sign Granit Xhaka
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger moved quickly to sign Granit XhakaCredit: PA:Press Association
The Swiss powerhouse does the dirty work in midfield so more creative players have freedom to go forward
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The Swiss powerhouse does the dirty work in midfield so more creative players like Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez have freedom to go forwardCredit: Reuters

ARSENE WENGER gets a lot of stick for refusing to pay over the odds, but the Arsenal boss got it spot on with Xhaka.

He moved quickly to sign the Swiss midfielder, with pictures emerging of him in a Gunners kit in May.

And the 23-year-old has repaid his faith instantly.

Xhaka's tough-tackling approach is exactly what Arsenal were lacking and he has anchored the midfield, allowing the ever-growing number of creative players to work their magic up front.

Add that to his neat passing and composure on the ball and £30m is looking like an absolute steal right now.

4. N'GOLO KANTE (30M)

Chelsea sign N'Golo Kante
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Leicester fans were heartbroken when Chelsea poached N'Golo Kante from themCredit: PA:Press Association
N'Golo Kante ran more than any other Leicester player last season
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N'Golo Kante ran more than any other Leicester player last seasonCredit: Reuters

LEICESTER fans were heartbroken when their midfield engine ditched the champions for Chelsea this summer.

Kante was arguably the Foxes' best player last season, running his socks off behind messers Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy.

He covered more distance than any other Leicester player last season (387.67km) by over 13 kilometres and impressed at Euro 2016.

The 25-year-old's athleticism is his strength but his technical ability on the ball is improving every day.

And surrounded by the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Diego Costa, Kante has more opportunity to develop his game at Stamford Bridge.

3. NOLITO (£13.8M)

Manchester Citys Nolito style of play
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Spain striker Nolito brings with him a robust and industrial style of playCredit: Getty Images
Nolito Manchester City goals
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Nolito has already scored three goals in four games for Manchester City this termCredit: Getty Images

PEP GUARDIOLA has signed three classy players in Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane and John Stones.

But the industrial Nolito, 29, has been an instant hit at the Etihad.

His willingness to run behind defenders stretches the opposition and his more direct approach has worked wonders for his new side.

The Spain forward lacks the silky dribbling of some of Guardiola's former favourites - Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa - but is a more robust and powerful player like Thomas Muller.

For just £13.8m, Nolito looks the business with three goals in four games.

2. SADIO MANE (34M)

Liverpool sign Sadio Mane
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Sadio Mane has proven to Liverpool he is worth every penny of the £34million they spent on him. The Reds snapped him up after Manchester United's bid failedCredit: Getty Images
Sadio Mane signs for Liverpool
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Sadio Mane has taken to Jurgen Klopp's philosophy like a duck to waterCredit: AP:Associated Press

WHEN Man United showed interest in Sadio Mane in January eyebrows were raised over his £25m price-tag.

Half a season later and Liverpool beat their arch-rivals to the Senegalese striker - and even splashed out £9m more to land him.

And he was worth every penny.

The former Southampton ace, 24, has taken to Jurgen Klopp's philosophy like a duck to water.

His relentless and rapid attacks on goal have inspired the stars around him - Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino - to up their own games.

Scoring the winner against Arsenal at the Emirates on his debut was already a huge repayment to his fee.

1. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (FREE)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for Manchester United
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed to become the "God of Manchester" after being taunted by Old Trafford legend and self-professed "King of Manchester" Eric CantonaCredit: Getty Images
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Manchester United goals
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has bagged four goals in all competitions for the Red DevilsCredit: Reuters

AFTER making his most audacious claim ever to become the "God of Manchester", Zlatan Ibrahimovic piled the pressure on himself before kicking a ball for United.

But it is when he thrives most, and Zlatan has already proven his worth at Old Trafford.

The outspoken Swede, 34, delivered in his first game - the Community Shield against Leicester - with a late winner.

He added three to his tally on the South Coast against Bournemouth and Southampton and helped pepper Hull's goal on Saturday to ensure United kept their 100 per cent win record this season.

It is for this reason why Ibra makes the cut ahead of Pogba - who is yet to contribute towards a United goal.

His brazen personality is just what the Red Devils need to reinstate themselves as top dogs of the Prem.

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