This summer’s highest profile transfers have involved Hotlist’s two most searched for Premiership clubs; Liverpool and Arsenal. And the players involved got you searching. The £16 million pound transfer of Gunners’ star Thierry Henry to La Liga giants Barcelona got the ball rolling as the talismanic Frenchman bade farewell to mentor Arsene Wenger after nearly ten years under his tutelage.

At Anfield, Rafa Benitez’s red revolution continued apace as he captured Athletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres for a club record £26.5 million. Torres is viewed as the final piece in the Liverpool jigsaw, a bona fide world class centre forward not seen on Merseyside since the halcyon days of Robbie Fowler (in his mid 90s prime), Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish. The online buzz around Torres’ arrival was reflected in a 310% increase in searches for the Spanish striker.

Transfer rumours abound

Outside of the Premiership’s top 4 teams, the most searched clubs over the past 2 weeks have been West Ham United and Aston Villa. Both sides have been active in the transfer market and, as a consequence, have seen their searches soar by over 200%. Villa shelled out £8.5 million for England Under-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker and, backed by the cash of American Randy Lerner and the stewardship of boss Martin O’Neill, more signings looks likely.

Having already purchased Scott Parker from Newcastle, the Hammers are at the centre of a multitude of transfer rumours, the biggest involving the sale of Carlos Tevez to Manchester United. The Argentine, currently on international duty in the Copa America, scored 7 goals in 10 games to almost single-handedly save West Ham from relegation and attain instant hero status at Upton Park. Reports suggest Tevez’s replacement will be Welsh striker (and keen golfer) Craig Bellamy.