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Granit Xhaka and Alexandre Lacazette react as Eddie Nketiah swaps Arsenal for Crystal Palace

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Arsenal were one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs on deadline day as they brought in two new players and moved three others on.

The Gunners signed Neto and Raheem Sterling, while Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson left the Emirates Stadium, either permanently or on loan.

Some of Arsenal’s deals were completed after the 11pm deadline, as they submitted deal sheets in time, which gave them two more hours to get the signings over the line.

Brazil goalkeeper Neto and England winger Sterling joined the Gunners on season-long loans from Bournemouth and Chelsea respectively.

Meanwhile, Ramsdale has joined Southampton permanently, while Nketiah is now on Crystal Palace’s books and Nelson has linked up with Fulham on loan.

With so much transfer activity involving Arsenal players, and the goodbyes and hellos that followed, plenty of now-former teammates have reacted on social media.

READ MORE: Financial details of Raheem Sterling’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal emerge and Edu’s played a blinder

Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka wish Eddie Nketiah all the best

For instance, Nketiah posted a heartfelt goodbye to the north London club on social media, and many of his peers responded to wish him all the best.

Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock were among those to wish Nketiah all the best.

Arsenal players past and present wish Eddie Nketiah well as he joins Crystal Palace
Arsenal players past and present wish Eddie Nketiah well as he joins Crystal Palace Cr. EN14 © 2024 INSTAGRAM FROM META

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have received £25million upfront for Nketiah and stand to pick up a further £5million in performance-related add-ons.

What Nketiah said about leaving Arsenal

Nketiah wrote on Instagram: “As I say goodbye, I want to take this time to say thank you to everyone at the club, from my teammates to all the wonderful staff who have been a part of my journey and have made this place home for so many years.

“Working my way up from Hale End to the first team was a dream come true. It taught me what it means to play for the club and what a privilege it is to wear the shirt. I never took it for granted and gave my all every time I stepped on the pitch.

“From scoring my first senior goal against Norwich in 2017, to making over 100 appearances for Arsenal, I have made memories here I shall carry with me for the rest of my life.

“I’m grateful to have felt your support and I’ll cherish the memories we have made. Thank you Gooners. Eddie.”

What Nketiah said about joining Palace

Nketiah told the Eagles media team: “It’s amazing to sign for Crystal Palace – I’m excited to get going.

“Every time I come back to South London, it always puts a smile on my face, so it’s good to be back home.”

What next for Arsenal?

Arsenal are in Premier League action early on Saturday as they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the day’s 12:30pm kick-off.

Both sides have won both of their respective opening games in the top flight.

BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has shared his predictions for the encounter at the Emirates Stadium.