Chelsea and AC Milan's newcomers were among the biggest moves seen in a frantic winter transfer period
Getty Images1Krzysztof Piatek | Genoa to AC Milan
The Rossoneri moved in lightning fashion to replace Higuain, signing up the Poland international from Genoa while Pipita was still taking his Chelsea medical. On first impressions it may well prove that the Italians received the best end of that bargain.
Piatek picked up right where he left off with Genoa, netting twice against Napoli in the Coppa Italia to make himself an instant fans' favourite. Along with Duvan Zapata he has been the revelation of the Serie A season and has drawn obvious comparisons with compatriot Robert Lewandowski.
AdvertisementGetty Images2Gonzalo Higuain | AC Milan to Chelsea
The centre-forward spot at Chelsea has proven a poisoned chalice in recent seasons. But experienced goal-getter Higuain has as much chance as anyone of making waves at Stamford Bridge.
Higuain boasts an enviable scoring record, hitting more than 150 goals in Italy since joining Napoli in 2013. And while he failed to find his best form for AC Milan in the first half of 2018-19, the Argentine is still a fearsome striker who can deliver the goals Chelsea so desperately need.
Getty Images3Lucas Paqueta | Flamengo to AC Milan
AC Milan finally sealed the signing of young Brazil international Paqueta from Flamengo in January. And while he has played just a handful of matches so far, he is making all the right noises at San Siro.
Paqueta laid on a goal for Krzysztof Piatek in Tuesday's stunning 2-0 defeat of Napoli in the Coppa Italia. The pair seem to be the breath of fresh air Milan needed to get their season going after such toils in the first half of the campaign.
Getty4Cesc Fabregas | Chelsea to Monaco
Even at the ripe old age of 31, the capture of Cesc on a free transfer represents a cracking piece of business for crisis-ridden Monaco.
After a four-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge that included two Premier League titles, the Spain international lost favour with the arrival of Maurizio Sarri. Now he is charged with saving his new club from relegation, with Leonardo Jardim drafted back into coaching service in extraordinary circumstances having been sacked just months earlier.