Potential Chelsea signings also feature…
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.
The Daily Mail today released its top 20 youngsters in Europe, excluding any stars currently playing in the Premier League.
Many of the 20 have been consistently linked to Premier League sides, and could make the move to English shores this summer transfer window.
20) Stephan El Shaaraway – AC Milan
The crazy-haired Italian, born in Egypt, shot to prominence the season before last, but injuries and poor form have hampered his development. His talent though is undeniable, and Arsenal and Real Madrid are still keeping close tabs on him.
19) Paulo Dybala – Palermo
The Argentine striker just got promoted from Serie A with Palermo, and has drawn comparisons to Manchester City superstar Sergio Aguero already. He did only score five league goals last term though, and we find it pretty strange that he’s made this list – when Serie A striker Domenico Berardi, who bagged 16 Serie A goals, has not!
18) Ali Adnan – Rizespor
Rated in his homeland as ‘The Iraqi Gareth Bale’, Adnan is alerting the interest of both Arsenal and Liverpool – and could move to the Premier League as the poster boy of Middle Eastern football.
17) Alvaro Vadillo – Real Betis
The youngest ever player to grace La Liga, Vadillo’s talent is unquestioned, and because his side were relegated – he’s probably available too.
16) Zakaria Bakkali – PSV
The Belgian scored a hat-trick on the first day of the season, and is a big target for Liverpool and Arsenal.
15) Mattia De Sciglio – AC Milan
The Italian right-back is rated at £18m, and already has nine caps for his country at the age of 21.
14) Kurt Zouma – Saint Etienne
The young French central defender agreed a move to Chelsea back in January, although he’ll likely spend next term on loan in France again to aid his development.
13) Hakan Calhanoglu – Hamburg
The 20-year-old freekick merchant has drawn comparisons to Mesut Ozil, and will likely cost £10m this summer if Chelsea or Bayern Munich want to secure his services.
12) Marquinhos – PSG
The world’s most expensive teenager, Marquinhos will probably join Barcelona this summer from PSG, as the Ligue 1 champions are bringing in David Luiz to partner Thiago Silva.
11) Viktor Fischer – Ajax
The young Dane looks like developing into Christian Eriksen’s Ajax heir, and it’s unlikely he’ll be at the Dutch club for long as a result.
10) Jese Rodriguez – Real Madrid
Injuries curtailed Jese’s season, but he’ll hope to establish himself as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans next term.
9) Marco Verratti – PSG
The diminutive Italian dictates tempo in PSG’s midfield. and prides himself on his superb technical ability.
8) Julian Draxler – FC Schalke
The long-term Arsenal target, Draxler can dribble, pass, shoot and create – and has the ability to develop into one of Europe’s very best.
7) Florian Thauvin – Marseille
Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United are all interested in the Frenchman, who has drawn comparisons to Franck Ribery due to his dribbling ability.
6) Ricardo Rodriguez – Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg’s Swiss left-back got forward up the left flank in the Bundesliga last term, scoring seven times and assisting ten goals as well.
5) Lucas Moura – PSG
Mightily unlucky to have missed out on the Brazil World Cup squad, but still has the potential to develop into one of Europe’s finest attackers.
4) Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
Varane recently started and won the Champions League final for Real Madrid, and Chelsea keen on bringing him in to replace the soon to be departing David Luiz.
3) Mario Gotze – Bayern Munich
Contributed 15 goals and 13 assists to justify last summer’s £32.5m price tag, and is heading to the World Cup this summer with Germany.
2) Thibaut Courtois – Atletico Madrid (Chelsea owned)
By far away and the best young goalkeeper in the world, Courtois has the ability to develop into one of the greatest in the modern era. Chelsea would be foolish to sell him – at any price.
1) Paul Pogba – Juventus
Frighteningly powerful and effective for someone who is yet to reach his 22nd birthday. Manchester United will still be furious at themselves for letting him go on a free.
SEE ALSO: The Fastest Players on Fifa 14