A list of the 50 most in-demand players in this summer’s transfer window.
Adem Ljajic (Fiorentina)
With an impressive 11 goals and 8 assists in Serie A this season for Fiorentina, 21-year-old Adem Ljajic is now on the radar of several of Europe’s top clubs. Manchester United almost signed him a few years ago and could renew their interest, though they will now face competition from Chelsea for the Serbian youngster. Capable of playing out wide or behind the main striker, Ljajic would be an excellent addition for almost any team, and looks to have a great future in the game.
Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica)
Nicolas Gaitan could finally be set for a big move this summer after an impressive few years in Portugal with Benfica. The Argentine is a skillful winger who regularly provides high numbers of goals and assists, with 5 and 13 respectively this season. Manchester United are known to be keen on signing new wingers due to the poor form of Nani and Ashley Young, and Gaitan is reportedly a top target. However, Bayer Leverkusen are also looking at him, as they seek a replacement for Andre Schurrle, who has just joined Chelsea.
Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)
In what looks like being a busy summer for new Manchester United manager David Moyes, they could also move for Juventus star Claudio Marchisio, who is seen as an ideal replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes. The Italian international has a good record of scoring goals from midfield, something United’s current squad lack, and could be subject to a £25million bid.
Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)
After fighting so hard to leave Manchester City last year, Carlos Tevez finally looked settled at the Etihad Stadium this season and set to stay with the club. However, he is now being linked strongly with both Juventus and Monaco, as it is thought he may not be in the plans of new City manager Manuel Pellegrini. AC Milan tried to sign him last season, and could enter the race for the former Manchester United man again.
Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)
French playmaker Yohan Cabaye has been one of the Premier League’s top performers since joining Newcastle from Lille for just £4million, and his stock has risen considerably as he is linked with a £20million move to Manchester United. The 27-year-old is another midfielder who could do a good job of replacing Paul Scholes, with his eye for a killer pass and excellent technique on long range shots.
Julian Draxler (Schalke)
One of many talented young German players attracting a lot of attention at the moment, 19-year-old Julian Draxler could be set for a big move this summer. Despite recently signing a new contract with Schalke, the talented attacker is thought to be hoping that either Manchester United or Chelsea make an offer for him. Arsenal have also been linked with him in the past, though he may be out of their price range now.
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
The former Liverpool star has had a good few years in La Liga with Real Madrid, but could be allowed to leave this summer as the Spanish giants look to re-shape their squad. The 31-year-old has stated his desire to stay at the Bernabeu, but is reportedly a target for former club Liverpool, as well as Chelsea, who are now being managed by former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho. A return to England for one of the finest playmakers in the game looks on the cards.
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has been a stand-out performer for struggling Stoke this season, and his form has attracted a lot of attention, mostly from Arsenal and Liverpool. Both clubs are known to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer, and Begovic is one of the top targets as he seems likely to leave the Britannia after the signing of promising young Birmingham ‘keeper Jack Butland in January. The 25-year-old is certainly one of the league’s top ‘keepers, and Stoke would seemingly be tempted to cash in on the £15million-valued shot-stopper.
Arouna Kone (Wigan)
Despite Wigan’s relegation from the Premier League, Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone had a good debut season in English football, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and earning a surprise FA Cup medal with the Latics. The 29-year-old is a strong and pacey striker with good finishing abilities, and this seems to be appealing to Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton, the latter of whom are now being managed by Roberto Martinez, who left Wigan following their relegation to the Championship. The two clubs will now fight it out over Kone, who should be available for around £6.5million due to a minimum release fee clause in his contract.
Andy Carroll (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s record signing is sure to be on his way out this summer after flopping spectacularly at Anfield. The 24-year-old certainly looks to have no future under current manager Brendan Rodgers and spent the season on loan at West Ham. Although West Ham have had a £15million bid accepted for the England international, his former club Newcastle could also be interested, and he is said to be considering his options. The target man is certainly a Sam Allardyce type of player, and looked very much at home at Upton Park this year, re-discovering some of his best form.
Jackson Martinez (Porto)
Colombian striker Jackson Martinez has had an excellent first season with Porto, scoring 34 goals in 39 appearances for the club in all competitions, and has quickly become hot property in Europe. Tottenham are said to be leading the chase for the 26-year-old and could offer around £25million for his services, though he has also been linked with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, who are also both looking for new strikers this summer.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
A stand-out performer for Everton this year, Leighton Baines is said to be one of David Moyes’ main targets as he moves from Goodison Park to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United. The Toffees are ready to offer him a lucrative new contract to stay at the club, but a move to United will surely be hard to turn down as the Red Devils seek a replacement for the ageing and inconsistent Patrice Evra. This talented attacking full-back would certainly fit in well at Old Trafford, and is also staking a serious claim for Ashley Cole’s England place.
Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)
It looks like a two-way battle between Arsenal and Juventus for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. The 25-year-old has been harshly placed on the transfer list by the Spanish giants, and would be an excellent addition upfront for either of these two teams. The Argentine has an impressive goal-scoring record for the Bernabeu club despite never truly establishing himself as first choice in their star-studded team. A decision is yet to be confirmed, as Real Madrid president Fiorentino Perez wants to appoint a new manager to approve the deal first, but differing rumours claim Higuain has held positive talks with both clubs and will almost certainly be
joining one of them this summer after growing discontent with life in Madrid.
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)
Another player on Juventus’ radar as they search for a new striker could be Manchester United super-sub Javier Hernandez. The Mexican, like Higuain, is another player whose excellent finishing and goal-scoring record is not truly appreciated by his club, and he is thought to be keen to move on this summer. Real Madrid have also shown an interest in the 25-year-old, as have Atletico Madrid who are seeking a replacement for £50million Monaco signing Radamel Falcao.
Adil Rami (Valencia)
One of the most solid and reliable defenders in La Liga, Adil Rami, is said to be looking for a move to a bigger club this summer. Valencia’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this season could see their star player leave as he looks to impress ahead of next summer’s World Cup, where he will be hoping to be first choice for the French national team. Manchester City have been linked with the 27-year-old as incoming manager Manuel Pellegrini is supposedly a fan, but it is Arsenal and Manchester United who are believed to be his main suitors, as both are keen to improve their defensive options ahead of next season.
Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)
One of many players who could be leaving Borussia Dortmund following their Champions League final defeat to a rampant Bayern Munich is Neven Subotic. The talented Serbian defender has been a key part of Dortmund’s recent success, and although he claims he is happy to stay at the club, that won’t stop the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona making offers to sign him. The 24-year-old provided one of the highlights of this season’s Champions League final, with an incredible last-ditch save off the line from a flowing Bayern move. Certainly one of the best defenders in Europe at the moment, and a worthy addition to any top side.
Hernanes (Lazio)
This talented Brazilian midfielder is one of the top midfield playmakers in Serie A, and his eye for the odd spectacular goal makes him a very appealing prospect for Manchester City. Valued at around £20million, Hernanes seems likely to move to a bigger club sooner rather than later, and could also attract interest from big-spending French duo PSG and Monaco.
Younes Belhanda (Montpellier)
A whole host of clubs are chasing talented French playmaker Younes Belhanda, who has confirmed his desire to leave Montpellier this summer. Montpellier have also reluctantly agreed to let him go as he approaches the end of his contract, and he could be available on the cheap as a result. His £10million price tag has attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and even Aston Villa. He has previously said that the Premier League or Bundesliga would be his preferred destination, and that looks likely to happen this summer.
Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)
Manchester City are said to be leading the chase for AC Milan starlet Stephan El Shaarawy. The half-Egyptian, half-Italian striker is one of the best young players in the world at the moment, and would be well worth his £34million price tag as he is surely set to be a star of the game for many years to come. City could also offer Carlos Tevez in return to Milan, which gives them the edge over the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who have also been linked with the 20-year-old sensation. With 19 goals from the wing for Milan this season, he looks like a player who would certainly provide something more to any of these side’s attacks at the moment.
John Terry (Chelsea)
With his future at Chelsea under some doubt, John Terry has been linked with a move to either Monaco or Galatasaray this summer. The 32-year-old is a legendary figure at Stamford Bridge, having been the club’s inspirational captain for nearly ten years, but his fitness struggles have seen him fall down the pecking order at the club. New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has said he will give Terry another chance to prove himself, but has given him no guarantees of being first choice, and that could still see him move this summer as he looks to reignite his career.
Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona)
Talented Barcelona youngster Thiago Alcantara seems likely to move this summer after failing to break past the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas into the team’s star-studded midfield, with Manchester United, Manchester City and even Barca’s arch rivals Real Madrid all interested in the 22-year-old. This exciting youngster would be a good signing for any of these teams and is simply unfortunate in his situation at the Nou Camp at the moment, and would be well worth his £15million asking price.
Paul Pogba (Juventus)
After failing to make the grade at Manchester United, Paul Pogba has made quite a name for himself in his first season at Juventus. The Frenchman joined the Italian champions on a free transfer and looks like a great young prospect. He could even be heading back to England, as both Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be showing a serious interest in signing him for around £17million. The tough and skillful midfielder is very much in the Yaya Toure mould, and it’s looking increasingly puzzling that he wasn’t given more of a chance at Old Trafford.
Simon Mignolet (Sunderland)
Simon Mignolet has just had an excellent season for Sunderland, making many high class saves to help keep the Black Cats in the Premier League. His performances have seen him join Stoke’s Asmir Begovic as a top target for both Arsenal and Liverpool. Supposedly, the two clubs have been told they can have him for £9million, as it seems ever more likely that he will be leaving the Stadium of Light this summer. Italian side Napoli have also been linked with him, but he seems set to stay in England with either the Gunners or the Reds.
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Christian Benteke has had a sensational first season in the Premier League since joining Aston Villa from Belgian side Genk for just £7million. After 23 goals for Paul Lambert’s side this season, his value has shot up to around £20million or more, and a whole host of clubs are said to be chasing him this summer, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The prolific 22-year-old looks made for a bigger club, and will surely be tempted to move after almost single-handedly saving Villa from relegation this year.
Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)
One of La Liga’s most prolific strikers, Alvaro Negredo could be on his way to the Premier League this summer after admitting a liking for English football. The 27-year-old Spain international won’t be short of suitors either, with Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and West Ham all said to be keen on him. He supposedly came close to joining Everton in January, and West Ham have recently had a bid rejected for him, but he’s definitely one who could play for a top club, and may even be seen as a replacement for Radamel Falcao at Atletico Madrid, according to other reports.
Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Another superb young talent coming through in Germany at the moment is Marco Reus. The forward has only been at Dortmund for one season, but could be on the move again with Manchester City supposedly ready to offer a massive £32million for him this summer. The 24-year-old can play in a variety of attacking positions, and has 14 goals and 9 assists for Jurgen Klopp’s side, making him a valuable asset to the club. With so many of their best players looking like being poached by bigger clubs, it could be a difficult summer for Dortmund fans.
Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
After becoming a star of the Premier League in his time with Tottenham, Luka Modric could be heading back to these shores this summer after somewhat flopping in his big move to Real Madrid. The Croatian only joined the Spanish giants last summer, but has been voted as the worst signing of the season in La Liga, and may be allowed to leave. Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be the frontrunners for his signature, though Manchester City and several Italian clubs are also monitoring his situation. The player himself has said he wants to stay in Madrid and fight for his place.
Nani (Manchester United)
After a highly disappointing season, Portuguese winger Nani could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer after being supposedly placed on the transfer list for around £8.5million. Galatasaray have shown a strong interest and have been in touch with United over the player, though they now feel they may not be able to afford him. Juventus and Real Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors, though mostly as part of possible swap deals between the clubs.
Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)
This excellent goal-poacher has for some reason found first-team opportunities hard to come by this year, despite scoring 41 goals the previous season. Gomez still managed 19 this season despite limited appearances, and would be an excellent acquisition for many of Europe’s top clubs. Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have all been linked, though Napoli are currently favourites to sign him as they prepare for life without Edinson Cavani. It’s unclear why Bayern don’t want to keep him, but their loss will likely be someone else’s gain in this summer’s transfer window.
Erik Lamela (Roma)
This talented young Argentine has had an excellent season for Roma this year, scoring 15 goals and providing 6 assists in an advanced midfield role. One of the brightest prospects in Serie A, the 21-year-old has expressed a desire to stay at the club and continue his development, though the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all said to be lurking, meaning he could be subject to a big move at some point in the near future.
Callum McManaman (Wigan)
Young Wigan winger Callum McManaman really caught the eye for the Latics this season, particularly in their incredible FA Cup run and triumph. The 22-year-old’s displays have attracted interest from Liverpool, and though Roberto Martinez advised him to stay at Wigan at the time, he could now move to sign him for Everton after he himself has left the DW Stadium. The youngster actually started his career in Everton’s youth team, but was rejected by the club, though his stock has risen considerably since then, and he is surely too good to be playing in the Championship next year.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Saint Etienne)
This bright young talent has lit up Ligue 1 with his performances for Saint Etienne this season and is sure to be on the move this summer. Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcaslte have all been long-term admirers of the 23-year-old, though he could now be set to join big-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. The player himself has admitted he dreams of playing for Real Madrid, and one way or another, a big move surely beckons for him soon enough.
Tom Ince (Blackpool)
Generally thought to be the best player playing outside of the Premier League at the moment, former Liverpool youngster Tom Ince could return to the top flight this summer after an excellent season with Blackpool. The 21-year-old winger scored 18 goals for the Championship club and has been linked with a return to Anfield. Tottenham are also interested, as are newly-promoted sides Crystal Palace and Cardiff, as well as Swansea City. Blackpool certainly have a real fight on their hands to keep their prized asset, who looks destined for big things at a big club.
Remy Cabella (Montpellier)
As well as Younes Belhanda, Montpellier’s other top talent is midfielder Remy Cabella, who is attracting interest from Arsenal. However, the Gunners have reportedly been told that the 23-year-old will cost as much as £85million. Although it seems unrealistic that the French side will receive an offer matching their estimation, Cabella is a top talent and Arsenal would do well to sign him, even if it does mean breaking the bank somewhat.
Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
After something of a breakthough season for the Everton star, it is no surprise to see Marouane Fellaini being linked with a host of big clubs. David Moyes moving to Manchester United has obviously provoked speculation that he would like to bring the Belgian with him to Old Trafford, though it seems Arsenal are also making moves to sign him. Chelsea have also been linked and the 25-year-old would be an excellent piece of business with his minimum release fee clause of just £23million.
Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)
A lot of excitement surrounded Edin Dzeko when Manchester City signed him for £28million in 2011, but the former Wolsburg striker has struggled to settle in the Premier League. He is now likely to be sold this summer, with Italian duo Napoli and Fiorentina showing a strong interest, though Chelsea have emerged as surprise contenders for his signature as well. City won’t want to sell to a rival, but Dzeko almost certainly doesn’t feature in their plans for next season, so it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)
Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic has been the subject of much speculation over the last few months, with Arsenal and Juventus believed to be the main contenders for his signature, though La Viola have been keen not to sell their star player to an Italian rival. Chelsea have now also joined the chase for the 23-year-old, who scored 12 times in Serie A this season, and though his future is still up in the air, he is surely set to join one of these three sides in this transfer window, probably for around £25million.
Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
This impressive Chilean midfielder has been a key performer for Juventus’ title-winning sides of 2012 and 2013, and has attracted attention from both Real Madrid and Manchester United. The 26-year-old is equally adept as a defensive or attacking midfield player and would be a quality signing for either side, though he will not come cheap, valued by his side at around £30million.
Nemanja Matic (Benfica)
This skillful Benfica star has been in fine form this season and is seen as another potential candidate to replace Paul Scholes in Manchester United’s midfield. The Serbian was also at Chelsea as a youngster, and has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge this summer, though he has dismissed these claims. After starring in Benfica’s Europa League campaign, the club have placed a massive £45million price tag on his head, which may put some teams off, though with his playmaking abilities, he looks like he would be a good addition to a number of big clubs, and is unlikely to stay with the Portuguese side for much longer.
Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
There’s no doubt Fernando Torres has been a flop at Chelsea since his £50million move from Liverpool, and he seems as likely as any to be shown the door by Jose Mourinho this summer. With only 8 league goals this season, there are plenty of other strikers being linked with Chelsea who could surely do better, and it may be hard to shift him. There has been talk that the Spaniard could be used as part of a swap deal to bring Edinson Cavani to the club from Napoli, but he has most recently been linked with a surprise £17million move to Barcelona. Torres himself has said he wants to fight for his place and is looking forward to working under Mourinho, but he may not have a choice in the matter.
Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Ilkay Gundogan is another player attracting a lot of interest after impressing for Borussia Dortmund. The talented defensive midfielder scored against Bayern Munich in this season’s Champions League final and looks to have a great future in the game. Manchester United and Barcelona appear to be the main contenders for his signature, and he looks in particular like a player that could add a lot to United’s current midfield options.
Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
Swansea captain Ashley Williams has been in great form for the Welsh side since they gained promotion to the Premier League in 2011, and they may now find themselves with a fight to keep him this summer as Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen on him. Both clubs need new central defenders this summer, with Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher retiring and the Gunners bracing themselves for bids from Bayern Munich for Laurent Koscielny, and have identified the Wales international as their top target. Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has admitted that the 28-year-old could be sold, as the club will need to sell before they can buy in this summer’s transfer window.
Isco (Malaga)
This goal-scoring midfielder is one of the best young players in the world at the moment, and will surely be on the move from Malaga this summer after attracting a great deal of interest. With Manuel Pellegrini leaving the club to replace Roberto Mancini as manager of Manchester City, Isco is being strongly linked as one of the Chilean’s main targets, though Real Madrid are now said to have entered the running for the 21-year-old. Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG have all been linked before, and it’s no surprise as Isco is destined for great things in the game. His future will likely be resolved after the Under-21 European Championships, where he is currently representing Spain.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
After nine years at Manchester United, Wayne Rooney has supposedly submitted a transfer request at the club. The England international is unhappy with his current role in the team, as he has often been played out of position or left out of the team altogether in important games this season. His desire to leave has sparked interest from a host of top clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester City and Arsenal, and there’s no doubt he would be a great signing for any of these as he has perhaps grown stale at Old Trafford. Perhaps the current favourites to sign him are Chelsea, as Jose Mourinho has admitted an interest in the United star and could be the perfect manager to get the best out of him again. United will be keen not to sell him to another English club, but Chelsea have the money to make them an offer they could find hard to turn down.
David Luiz (Chelsea)
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, David Luiz has become a target for Barcelona this summer, as Chelsea seem prepared to sell the Brazilian defender. Luiz has often been known for his eccentric and inconsistent displays since joining the Blues from Benfica, but looked to be maturing after an excellent season this year, occasionally showing his ability to fill in in midfield as well. However, Mourinho supposedly doesn’t rate the 26-year-old and would be open to offers from Barca. Real Madrid have also been linked with Luiz, and with Chelsea chasing the likes of Eliaquim Mangala and Raphael Varane, it looks increasingly likely that this entertaining player will be leaving the Premier League this summer.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Liverpool star Luis Suarez has just had his best season for the club, but could be set for an exit this summer after the press reaction to his bite on Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic. The Uruguayan is unhappy with his treatment from the media in England and is hoping to secure a move abroad, admitting that Real Madrid would be a tempting option for him, as he would like to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester City have all been linked with him at some point, but it seems that Real are determined to bring him in as one of their ‘galactico’ signings this year, and would be willing to pay as much as £50million for him.
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
This talented Polish striker has made it clear that he wants to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, though he will be denied his preferred choice of a move to Bayern Munich, as Dortmund do not want to sell another star player to their rivals after Mario Goetze. Manchester United were linked with Lewandowski last season before they opted for Robin van Persie, and could move for him again after possibly facing the departures of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez. Chelsea have also been linked with him, but Barcelona have now emerged as the latest club to be stepping up their interest in the prolific Pole.
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
After a sensational season for Spurs, Gareth Bale could now become the world’s most expensive player of all time as he continues to attract strong interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United and PSG. The 23-year-old scored 26 goals this season, many of them stunning solo efforts, and Real in particular have made no secret of their desire to sign him. They will be pushed all the way by United and PSG, who also have significant funds to do so, but Real usually get their player in the end, and they would surely be the most tempting move for the Welshman at this point in his career, especially as Spurs would not want to sell him to another English team.
Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
Despite saying just days ago that he doesn’t feel his game is suited to Spanish football, Real Madrid are now the favourites to beat Chelsea and Manchester City to the signing of Napoli star Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan striker has been much in-demand all summer after another fantastic season in Serie A, and will cost around £53.5million. This would put him up there with the most expensive footballers of all time, and it is fitting as he looks like becoming one of the best strikers of his generation, who will surely bring silverware to wherever he chooses to go.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in phenomenal form since his world record £80million move to Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, and could be on the move again this summer as he breaks his own transfer record. United are keen to bring him back to Old Trafford after he has apparently become unsettled at the Bernabeu, though moneybags PSG could blow them out of the water with an £85million bid. Whoever managed to sign Gareth Bale will likely have a major impact on how this particular move works out, and Ronaldo himself has hinted he could be set for a move after denying rumours that he had signed a new contract. Jose Mourinho had shown an interest in bringing him with him to Chelsea, and big-spending Monaco have also been linked, and the Portuguese star could provide us with one of the most exciting transfer sagas of the whole summer.