Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham – as well as every other club in the Premier League and EFL – will be significantly impacted by the latest rule change which The FA have agreed with the UK Government. The summer transfer window is expected to be one of the busiest to date, and now English sides have been granted greater freedom in their search for new players.
The FA have reached an agreement with the Home Office to allow the points-based system to be ignored for up to four signings who do not meet the international visa system requirements. Previously, foreign players required a certain number of governing body endorsement points to secure a permit that allows them to play in the Premier League.
Now, each club in the Premier League and the Championship will have four slots to bypass this rule, while those in League One and League Two are allowed just two signings which don't meet the points criteria. The Blues had previously been affected by this rule, with Andrey Santos missing out on a permit by just one point after joining from Vasco da Gama in the summer.
A statement from The FA reads: "The additional access will allow clubs playing in the English league the ability to sign a number of players who do not meet the current points requirements. A maximum of four players will be available to Premier League and Championship teams, and two for League One and League Two teams.
"The number of players a club will be able to sign will be proportional to the number of English players they play. While each club will get at least two places for players in the first season, they will receive between zero and four depending on the number of English players playing in future seasons.
"The Premier League and EFL have also committed to work with The FA on improving the pathway for talented English youngsters. This solution supports both England player development and clubs’ access to overseas talent.
"The outcomes of both the changes to the GBE system and improvements to the development pathway will be kept under review, which could mean increasing the number of places allowed per club should both be working successfully."
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Kalidou Koulibaly exit, Moises Caicedo swap, Mason Mount bid
With clubs in England granted more freedom to sign the players they wish in the transfer market this summer, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham could look to secure hidden gems which they may have not previously considered. As aforementioned, the Blues were denied the chance to make use of Santos so he was shipped out on loan back to Brazil.
While he's yet to kick a ball on British soil, Chelsea will be delighted to have wrapped up the deal when they did. The 19-year-old midfielder has seen his stocks rise quite significantly following the Under-20 South American Championship, where he led Brazil to glory while sharing the golden boot.
READ NEXT:
Newcastle eye stunning £50m transfer after Chelsea comments in Mauricio Pochettino blow
Arsenal can sign their very own Eden Hazard this summer if Edu sanctions £70m transfer
