While Sterling crossed the London divide to move from Chelsea to Arsenal, Sancho left Manchester United on loan once again to effectively replace his international team-mate at Stamford Bridge, the British media reported.

Sterling was told by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca that he had no place in the squad and Arsenal swooped in to sign him with manager Mikel Arteta an admirer having worked with the winger at Manchester City during his spell as assistant coach.

Sancho had been at odds with United boss Erik ten Hag and despite being an €85 million recruit, the Old Trafford club saw fit to let him go on loan a second time after his spell with former club Borussia Dortmund last season.

Toney, once Brentford’s lynchpin in attack, has moved to Al-Ahli for €47.5 million after the club cashed in on the striker who helped them gain promotion to the top flight in 2021.

But Toney did his career no favours when he received an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of betting rules, which saw him miss half the 2023-24 season.

“I’m happy he has an opportunity to try something new in his life and career,” Brentford coach Thomas Frank said.

“We thank him for so many magic moments and wish him all the best for his next chapter. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend.”