Manchester City signed Nico González from Porto in the biggest move from Premier League clubs on transfer deadline day, while Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel headed to Tottenham on loan.

City's midfield frailties without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who is out for the season due to a serious knee injury, were exposed in a 5-1 thrashing at Arsenal on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's men find themselves in a battle just to qualify for next season's Champions League, with the defending champions sitting fourth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.

City were also in need of reinforcements for a blockbuster Champions League play-off round tie against holders Real Madrid later this month.

Former Barcelona midfielder González, 23, arrives for a reported fee of US$62 million.

"This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career," said González. "I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team."

Meanwhile, Tottenham were busy in the final hours of the window as they bolstered Ange Postecoglou's injury-ravaged squad.

Tel reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Spurs earlier in the window after a deal was agreed with the German giants.

But the French under-21 international has now moved to north London until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent in the summer. (AFP)