The transfer market isn’t officially open for business and yet clubs are seemingly eager to set their stalls out and begin haggling for bargains. If you’ll excuse the pun, Chelsea’s capture of Marko Marin came completely out of the blue whilst Arsenal were finally able to confirm their purchase of Lukas Podolski, after what seemed like an eternity of ambiguity. These two acquisitions not only highlight the imminent injection of Bundesliga flavour into the Premier League, but also the fact that clubs appear determined to complete their business before the current season has reached its conclusion.

Are we witnessing a new trend in transfer protocols or are clubs simply keen to tie up their deals before a summer that is bulging with the international competitions? It’s no secret that players who impress on these globally televised stages will find themselves subject of the ‘shop window’ effect, with an increased amount of interest in their services allowing the parent club to force their valuation of the player sky high.

One club who famously avoided such an issue were Manchester United, who secured Javier Hernandez shortly before he made a startling impression with Mexico at the World Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson is notoriously ruthless in the transfer market and last year purchased the likes of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea before July was even a week old. Perhaps his £30m splurge on Dimitar Berbatov in 2008 has discouraged the Scot from any further high-profile deadline day deals.

In stark comparison Arsenal were forced into a flurry of last-minute transactions after their dismal start to the season incited a barrage of criticism from both their fans and the media. This was the first time Arsene had found himself under significant pressure during his time with the Gunners, which was perhaps evident in his uninspiring singings of Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker and Yossi Benayoun. The swift move to obtain Lukas Podolski surely indicates Wenger’s desire not to repeat any similar mistakes.

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There are obvious benefits to securing deals before the season is done and dusted, in Arsenal’s case it will help disguise a below par campaign in the league as well as having the potential to inspire the current crop of players to ensure their Champions League qualification. Podolski represents the purchase of further international pedigree and his experience will no doubt give renewed hope to the fans, encouraged by the fact the club are actively seeking to resurrect their ailing fortunes.

There are also distinct advantages for the players in question, who will be able to enjoy their summer without any clouds circling over their imminent future. When they do arrive at the doorstep of their new club they’ll have more time to settle into their latest surroundings and be able feature in a full pre-season programme with their new team-mates.

With the impending Financial Fair Play regulations set to restrict any future frivolous spending, perhaps the days of the big money moves on deadline day are at an end. Let’s be honest, such deals can usually be filed under ‘failure’ with the most recent examples of Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll only just starting to repay their extravagant transfer fees. I don’t think you can utter the names of Robinho or Afonso Alves in the North of England these days without being scowled at.

However, as the transfer window gradually nears its closure, there will be bargains to be had as clubs try desperately to slash their wage bill. Tottenham’s purchase of Van Der Vaart is undoubtedly the shining example in recent years, but these deals should represent the final piece of the jigsaw rather than an essential stopgap in the heart of the team.

The rumour mill is in full flow at the moment, with a number of hot properties on the market. The likes of Eden Hazard and Jan Vertonghen have already begun flirting with prospective teams, which leaves me thinking that clubs should act now or pay the price later.

Join me on Twitter @theunusedsub where I’m getting excited about the Finnish Football League transfer window, which closes in just 5 days time!

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