The biggest names linked with the English top tier this summer.
Although much of the talk in the football world is understandably about the imminent 2014 World Cup in Brazil, there is still huge amounts of speculation in the transfer market.
The window doesn’t actually open until July 1 but that doesn’t mean rumours aren’t already rife and here is the ultimate XI of stars linked with a Premier League move.
GK – Iker Casillas, Real Madrid to Arsenal
Despite the fact Wojciech Szczesny has had a good year with the Gunners the loss of Lukasz Fabianski and Emiliano Viviano means manager Arsene Wenger needs another goalkeeper.
Once again the 64-year-old’s attention has turned to Casillas, who was replaced in La Liga last term by Diego Lopez and the Spain captain was limited to cup games.
Source: Daily Mail.
RB – Serge Aurier, Toulouse to Arsenal
Staying in north London and the side are in search of a new right-back due to the impending departure of Bacary Sagna this summer when the Frenchman’s current contract expires.
It seems that the most likely deal is going to be for this 21-year-old, who took Ligue 1 by storm in 2013/14.
Source: talkSPORT.
LB – Luke Shaw, Southampton to Manchester United
Despite the fact Alberto Moreno has been strongly linked with a move to England, the left-back spot has to be given to Shaw and his expected multi-million pound switch.
The Saints starlet is still just 18-years-old and yet could be set for a £30m transfer and £100,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford.
Source: BBC Sport.
CB – Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United
Staying with the Red Devils and with new manager Louis van Gaal now at the helm there are expected to be a number of changes at the Theatre of Dreams this summer.
With both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic leaving United when their current deals expire, central defence is a priority and Hummels is among the best in the position in the world.
Source: Daily Mail.
CB – Eliaquim Mangala, FC Porto to Manchester City
Van Gaal has also been linked with this Frenchman – who Chelsea are interested in as well – but with City needing a first choice centre-back and being able to offer huge wages and Champions League football, they lead the way.
Mangala is an even more attractive prospect due to the 23-year-old’s ability to also play at left-back.
Source: Manchester Evening News.
CM – Cesc Fabregas, FC Barcelona to Chelsea
It is seeming more and more likely that Fabregas will leave the Nou Camp this summer and Wenger has already turned down the chance to sign his former captain.
Jose Mourinho meanwhile has admitted there is interest from the Blues and at £30m the Spain international could become a long-term replacement for Frank Lampard.
Source: Daily Mail.
CM – Fernando, FC Porto to Manchester City
Back to the Etihad Stadium now and a deal that was almost completed in January is set to be finalised six months later.
The deal for Fernando has gone somewhat under the radar, but there is potential for the Brazilian to be as influential as fellow countryman Fernandinho at City.
Source: Guardian.
RM – Yevhen Konoplyanka, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk to Manchester United
Despite having been previously linked with both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, it now seems that Ukraine international Konoplyanka is ready for a switch to United instead.
The 24-year-old can operate on either wing and is less likely to be influenced by the club’s lack of Champions League football next campaign.
Source: ESPN.
CAM – Adam Lallana, Southampton to Liverpool
Meanwhile at Anfield, they may not get Konoplyanka, but their return to Europe’s top club competition has made them a much more attractive prospect to other players.
One such star is Saints captain Lallana, who could follow ex-teammate Rickie Lambert by heading to Merseyside.
Source: ESPN.
LM – Antoine Griezmann, Real Sociedad to Arsenal
Completing the attacking midfield trio in this team is a France international that Wenger has made no secret he is a big fan of.
Greizmann scored 16 La Liga goals last season and is considered to be one of the brightest prospects in European football.
Source: Metro.
ST – Diego Costa, Atletico Madrid to Chelsea
Finally this Atleti striker has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time and is said to have already completed a medical with the West London club.
Costa was in brilliant form last term, scoring 37 goals in all competitions as his side won La Liga and reached their first ever Champions League final.
Source: ESPN.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.