Whats going on with the transfer market

Why is the transfer market so lame this summer? I realize with the worldcup/ballack/sheva craziness of last summer that this year would be some what more subdued, but everything seems to be backwards, or even bizarro if you will. Chelsea purchased an awesome defender in PSV's Brazilian center back Alex for only $1!They are determined not to make the proverbial ass out of themselves this summer apparently. That is a stark contrast to the insane money purges Chelsea embarks upon each summer. I can only hope that they have something ridiculous in mind because, while this is better for their team, it is very boring. Newcastle, under the new management, seems to be up to their old self-destructive antics. I mean, they make a big poo-poo over signing.... JOEY BARTON?! Which team would voluntarily want to sign Joey Barton? That is like asking the FA to go ahead and fine your team for a bunch of zany behavior and horribly violent fouls. This is concurrent with Newcastle's recent desire to crap up their team.
I am sure Liverpool will be very interested in spending some of this new American money. Which means that they are going to sign some sort of dinosaur and suck up their team. Manchester United don't need to do anything as they can rely on the stellar, emaculate performances by Darren Fletcher, John O'Shea, and Alan Smith. : ( I am starting the think that next year, provided that they get rid of Henry, Arsenal will have their year.