The Premier League has announced changes to the closure of its transfer window, which will shut at 17:00 on Thursday before the 2018-19 season.
In recent years, the deadline day has fallen on either the final day of August or the first day of September, which is a few days after the start of the tournament.
In a media conference on Thursday, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reiterated his stance that the window should close before the games get under way, in order to avoid key players becoming unsettled.
And in a statement released by the Premier League later on Thursday, it was announced that the clubs had voted in favour of the changes.
Only clubs in England's top flight are subject to the alteration and they will still be able to sell players once the new deadline is passed.
"Premier League clubs have today agreed to a rule amendment that will see the summer transfer window end at 17:00 on the Thursday before the start of the season," a Premier League statement read.
"This is for Premier League clubs only and has no bearing on other leagues and competitions.
"The first transfer window, where it will be applicable, is the summer window in 2018 (ahead of the 2018-19 season) and it will close on 17:00 on Thursday, August 9, 2018.
"This new rule applies only to the acquisition of players. Clubs will still have the ability to sell players to other leagues in which the transfer window is open."
"Clubs have discussed this topic at length at previous shareholders' meetings (February 2017 and June 2017) prior to today's vote."
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