Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Manchester United are all keen to strengthen their squads this summer transfer window for next season’s Premier League title challenge. See the best XI of players linked here.
Tim Krul (Newcastle United)
Linked with: Tottenham Hotspur (Metro)
Tim Krul made 14 saves in a stunning performance against Tottenham Hotspur back in November, and the Netherlands international’s stock continues to grow.
If Spurs lose Hugo Lloris this summer, they could do far worse than signing Krul.
Serge Aurier (Toulouse)
Linked with: Arsenal (Daily Telegraph)
Serge Aurier had a tremendous season for Toulouse, being voted into the Ligue 1 Team Of The Year thanks to a scarcely heard of six goals and six assists from the right back position.
With Bacary Sagna leaving Arsenal on June 30th when his contract expires, 21 year-old Aurier could make for a brilliant replacement.
Alberto Moreno (Sevilla)
Linked with: Liverpool (Daily Mirror)
Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno was omitted from the trimmed Spain squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite being named on the standby list, but that is no slight on his ability – merely proof of the astonishing depth at the disposal of national team manager Vicente del Bosque.
Moreno is a classy defender who would greatly improve the Anfield side, and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will be keen to conclude a deal as soon as possible.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Linked with: Manchester United (Manchester Evening News)
Along with Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain, Mats Hummels is widely considered the best centre back in the world.
The Borussia Dortmund defender is reportedly high on new Man Utd boss Louis Van Gaal’s shortlist to replace the departing Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and there could be few better candidates.
Eliaquim Mangala (FC Porto)
Linked with: Chelsea, Manchester City (Guardian)
Eliaquim Mangala’s stock has risen a great deal over the last two seasons, and the 23 year-old was recently named in the France squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
FC Porto are perhaps the greatest club in the world at buying low and selling high, and they could be assured of a healthy profit if Chelsea or Manchester City attempt to land the impressive centre back.
William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
Linked with: Manchester United (Manchester Evening News)
Sporting Clube de Portugal have unearthed a real gem in William Carvalho, and unsurprisingly the 22 year-old anchor player is beginning to attract interest from Manchester United.
Carvalho’s colossal frame would enable him to compete against the most physical players the Premier League has to offer, and his distribution would be a great platform for Man Utd to build attacks.
Cesc Fabregas (FC Barcelona)
Linked with: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United (Daily Telegraph)
If Cesc Fabregas is available for £30 million, as the Daily Telegraph suggest, he will have no shortage of suitors.
Only Angel Di Maria provided more assists in La Liga than the FC Barcelona playmaker, and Arsenal have first option as part of the deal that took him to Camp Nou in 2011.
Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Linked with: Arsenal, (Metro)
Arsenal reportedly made a £18 million bid for Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann earlier this week, with Arsene Wenger likely impressed by the France international’s pace, trickery and goal threat from the left flank.
The 23 year-old Griezmann scored 16 times in La Liga last season, finally earning his international breakthrough in time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Lucas Moura (Paris Saint-Germain)
Linked with: Manchester United (Daily Express)
Paris Saint-Germain were heavily fined for breach of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, but are still set to splurge around £40 million on Chelsea defender David Luiz.
With Laurent Blanc keen to sign Eden Hazard too from the Stamford Bridge outfit, sales would be required – and Lucas Moura is reportedly up for sale.
The Brazilian winger was of interest to Manchester United before he moved to Parc des Princes, and an Old Trafford switch could again be on the cards.
Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Linked with: Chelsea (ESPN)
After a sensational season in front of goal, Diego Costa has been linked with the majority of Europe’s elite clubs, but his physique and playing style are perfect for a Jose Mourinho side.
It would be little surprise to therefore see him move to Stamford Bridge when his £32 million minimum fee release clause is activated.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Linked with: Arsenal (Metro)
Arsenal reportedly arranged a meeting with Real Madrid representatives for the signing of Karim Benzema today, despite the France striker’s hugely impressive season in front of goal at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
The 26 year-old scored 22 times and provided 14 assists in La Liga and UEFA Champions League last term, and could be the A-list centre forward Arsene Wenger requires to bring the Gunners to the next level.
Full team on next page!