The five biggest transfer battles set to commence over the summer.
5. Marcos Rojo – Sporting Lisbon to Liverpool or Barcelona
The Argentine ace has found himself in high demand this summer as a number of clubs line up to take a closer look at his prowess on the left side of the defence. Liverpool had kicked off some early interest after suffering with some personnel problems in the left-back slot, but they have since been joined by Barcelona, who are attracted to his versatility as a centre-back as they look for a replacement for the departing Carles Puyol.
4. Sami Khedira – Real Madrid to Chelsea or Fiorentina
The German international may have missed the bulk of the season with a cruciate ligament injury, but that hasn’t stopped significant interest in his services from cropping up across Europe. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who worked with Khedira during the pair’s time in Madrid, is keen to bring him to London for a reunion as he continues to overhaul the Blues midfield. However, Fiorentina, who have a knack at convincing some of the world’s top talent to join them may look to derail Chelsea’s bid. With Champions League football on offer, though, the Blues may just have the upper hand.
3. Javi Martinez – Bayern Munich to Manchester City or Arsenal
The Spaniard recently revealed that he is not entirely happy with life under Pep Guardiola this season and may decide to look for a way out of the club as they are sure to strengthen over the summer. His discontent has alerted the likes of newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City, who are well stocked in midfield, but will want to make additions in order to retain their title. Arsenal are also heavily interested, looking to rejuvenate their engine room after injuries to key players saw their own title challenge derail over the course of the campaign.
2. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Paris Saint Germain or Arsenal
The France international has been linked with an exit from the Bernabeu ever since last summer. Patchy early season form saw those calls continue and there are still no shortage of suitors lining up to bring him on board. Arsenal have been credited with a heavy interest for some time now, with the bookies making the Emirates his most likely destination ever since the speculation started. However, PSG have made initial moves to bring him back home to France. With a better shot a trophies; a return to his homeland may be more appealing.
1. Edinson Cavani – Paris Saint Germain to Chelsea or Manchester United
The big Uruguayan has expressed his disillusion with life at the Parc des Princes by being made to play second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and as a result those with the necessary funding have been quietly plotting a move for him over the summer. Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United are both keeping tabs on his situation, with the Blues wanting to snap up some strikers following a disappointing showing from their own, while United simply need a better calibre of player if they are to get themselves back on track.