Check out these six stars of the France World Cup squad who could be making big money moves this summer.
Didier Deschamps’ France side have started the 2014 FIFA World Cup in stunning form, dispatching Honduras and Switzerland with an aggregate score of 8-2. Despite the fact that the man many consider to be their best player, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery, missed out on the tournament with a back injury, there are a number of talents in the Les Bleus side who have been linked with big transfers this summer, including these six who could all be heading to the Premier League after the competition ends.
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1) Eliaquim Mangala (FC Porto)
Whilst FC Porto’s young centre back Eliaquim Mangala has been unable to break up the partnership of Mamadou Sakho and
Raphael Varane at the heart of the French defence, the 23 year-old does look set for a big money move this summer, with both Manchester clubs having been strongly linked with the powerful centre back.
Mangala has made over 50 appearances for Porto since arriving from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2011 and has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders on the continent.
2) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Letting Paul Pogba leave on a free transfer remains one of the worst decisions that Manchester United have made in recent years, with a huge fee being required if the young midfielder is to move on from Juventus this summer.
A box-to-box powerhouse, Pogba was left out of the starting line-up for the victory over Switzerland after picking up a booking in the game against Honduras, but came on to the pitch to show his worth, creating a goal for Karim Benzema with an outrageous pass with the outside of his foot.
3) Remy Cabella (Montpellier)
Newcastle United will have to improve their offer for Montpellier playmaker Remy Cabella if they are to convince the club’s president to let him go after their initial bid for the midfielder was deemed to be derisory.
Whilst he is on the fringes of Deschamps’ side, it is only the amount of talent in the French midfield that is stopping Cabella nailing down his place, after he lit up Ligue 1 last season with a series of impressive displays from the middle of the park.
4) Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Real Sociedad star Antoine Griezmann has emerged as one of the most wanted players in European football after a fine season for the San Sebastian based side, but the likes of Arsenal will face stiff competition if they are to prise him away.
Griezmann was superb in Les Bleus’ 8-0 friendly warm-up win over Jamaica, earning a start for the 3-0 win over Honduras in their first World Cup match. Despite dropping to the bench for the Switzerland game, he is likely to remain a key part of Deschamps’ thinking.
5) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid
With Real Madrid star Karim Benzema yet to agree a new deal at the Bernabeu, clubs such as Arsenal have been linked with a move to secure the former Lyon man’s signature.
If anything is going to persuade Real to give in to his demands, however, it is Benzema’s performances at the World Cup, with three goals in two games representing a fantastic return – although it would be even better if the referee hadn’t blown up seconds before he netted a sixth for France against Switzerland.
6) Loic Remy (Queens Park Rangers
Loic Remy has enjoyed a fine stint in the Premier League since arriving at QPR – despite failing to keep Harry Redknapp’s side up in the 2012/13 season he moved on loan to Newcastle United and was one of the league’s finest forwards last season.
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with a move to sign Remy on a permanent deal as the former Marseille man looks certain to move on from Loftus Road this summer.