Ten Spanish based players that might join Premier League sides this summer.
10. Aymeric Laporte – Athletic Bilbao
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with big money moves for the 19-year-old, but they are in danger of losing out to Bayern Munich this summer as the race to land his signature hots up. Laporte is the first Frenchman to play for the Basque-only club since Bixente Lizarazu, and he has been in extraordinary form this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions as both a centre-back and a left-back. As the club compete for a place in next season’s Champions League it’s no wonder that so many clubs are looking towards his versatility and youthful exuberance to bolster their back lines.
9. Alex Song – Barcelona
The Cameroonian ace has been edging towards a return to England for the past year now and may finally get his wish this summer as both Manchester United and Arsenal have been circling. He originally left the Gunners to win trophies as part of a regular in one of the world’s best midfields, and though he’s won things, he’s not played all that much. Arsenal are in desperate need of a defensive midfielder as they have failed to adequately replace him in the first place.
8. Koke – Atletico Madrid
The 22-year-old is just one of the current Atletico stars that are making the club such an attractive proposition at the moment. Once again Manchester United have been closely linked with his signature as they look to bolster their midfield after a disappointing showing this season. And with six league goals in 39 appearances this term he would add a goalscoring threat that would come second only to his eye for setting up his teammates. Atletico will resist a sale, though, as he is viewed as one of the club’s brighter sparks.
7. Antoine Griezmann – Real Sociedad
The diminutive Frenchman exploded onto the scene this season with some strong performances in the Champions League. He was a key figure in getting them into the competition last term, and hasn’t disappointed now that he’s there. A host of clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all said to be monitoring him closely, and whoever moves first will want to make him a good offer before they spark off a bidding war for one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.
6. Adil Rami – Valencia
The France international has been watched by Premier League sides for a number of seasons now, and may finally be set to make the move after falling out with parent club Valencia. He has been on loan with AC Milan since the January transfer window, but they have opted against making his agreement permanent, meaning that Tottenham now have a free run at landing his signature. Spurs are keen to add more defensive clout to their back line and have identified the 28-year-old as the ideal man to do so.
5. Ander Herrera – Athletic Bilbao
The 24-year-old emerged as a shock target for Manchester United on transfer deadline day last summer, and ever since he has been tipped to eventually make his way to Old Trafford. However, as he edges nearer making his bow for the Spanish national side his price will surely rise, and if the club can secure Champions League football for next term then he may be much harder to acquire this summer.
4. Isco – Real Madrid
The highly-rated playmaker was all set to join Manchester City last summer before he opted to join Real Madrid instead. However, his first season in the capital hasn’t quite gone according to plan and he has seen more of the bench than he has the pitch. That hasn’t stopped Manuel Pellegrini want keeping tabs on him, though, and Chelsea have since joined the Chilean in his interest.
3. Ivan Rakitic – Sevilla
Up until very recently, the Croatian string puller was in a very real danger of leaving his enormous potential to go unfulfilled. However, this season he has revelled in the added responsibility and has thrived as the club continue to hunt for a spot in Europe next term. Knowing that Sevilla are open to selling at the right price, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all hopeful of being able to lure him away from southern Spain.
2. Cesc Fabregas – Barcelona
Everybody believed that Fabregas would take the world by storm when he made his return to his boyhood club back in 2011, but it hasn’t been plain sailing for the former Gunner and he could be in line for a surprise return to the Premier League this time around. Manchester United were hoping to bring him back last summer, but he opted to stay and give it one more try, though after a difficult campaign at the Nou Camp he could be tempted to change his mind, especially if Arsenal make a much anticipated approach.
1. Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
Last year it was Radamel Falcao in his place, and after another fine season for the Brazilian-cum-Spaniard, it is him who has taken over at the top of everyone’s wish list. A potent goalscoring threat, it’s no surprise to see everyone from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all keen to bring him to the Premier League. It will take a massive fee to accomplish the deal, though, with fees ranging from everywhere between £27m to £80m being mooted.