As the season draws to a close, much of the focus is inevitably drawn towards the transfer market and which clubs will manage to make a statement of intent by securing a marquee signing.
Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to be the most busy as they aim to assemble a squad capable of wrestling the league title back off champions-elect Chelsea. Further enhance by the new TV rights deal worth over £5bn (via BBC), we could be set for a record-breaking summer.
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It is therefore only right that we aim to construct an XI made up of the players linked with sensational moves this summer.
GK) Petr Cech
The Chelsea legend is set to move this summer after being displaced by emerging star Thibaut Courtois as the club’s first choice in goal. Rivals Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in taking Cech across the capital with a move to Inter Milan also mentioned (via the Express).
RB) Dani Alves
Following a sensational career with Barcelona, playing a major part in arguably the best club side in history, Alves looks set to depart Camp Nou with his contract expiring in June. His agent last week confirmed that a three-year contract was rejected and reports suggest that Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain remain keen on the Brazilian (via Daily Mail).
CB) Mats Hummels
Borussia Dortmund’s disappointing season has already cost them their manager Jurgen Klopp, it remains to be seen whether or not their skipper will be at the club beyond the summer. Linked very heavily with Manchester United (via Daily Star), Hummels will certainly be in demand come the summer.
LB) Nathaniel Clyne
Southampton will be hoping that another successful Premier League season won’t result in a mass exodus for the second consecutive summer, but some of their star players are certainly attracting big clubs. If reports are to be believed, Chelsea and Manchester United are involved in a scrap to land the England international (via ESPN).
DM) Morgan Schneiderlin
Another Saints star set for an exit after a sensational campaign (Daily Express), Ronald Koeman may struggle to convince the French star to stay this time around should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.
CM) Sami Khedira
One of top players available on a free this summer, Khedira’s future is far from certain. Manchester United and Chelsea are the latest clubs heavily linked with the World Cup winner after a move to Arsenal seemed certain last year (via Daily Mail).
CM) Paul Pobga
Quite simply, arguably the greatest prospect of his generation. The expectations of a nation weigh heavily on Pogba’s shoulders ahead of the upcoming European Championships, the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester City have all been linked with a sensational move for the Frenchman (via talkSPORT).
CAM) Marco Reus
Despite signing a new contract earlier on this year, the departure of manager Jurgen Klopp may have Reus contemplating his long-term future. Arsenal remain the club linked most with the wizard given the recent influx of German stars at the Emirates Stadium (via The Telegraph).
RW) Raheem Sterling
Currently in the midst of a very public contract stand-off with his club Liverpool, Sterling has given little indication that his future resides at Anfield. A move abroad may beckon for the 20-year-old as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich wait in the wings, but moves to Arsenal and Manchester City have also been reported (via BBC Sport).
LW) Gareth Bale
On top of the world a little under 12 months ago as he scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final, his relationship with the Real Madrid fans has since deteriorated. Bale has been constantly jeered at the Bernabeu by the home fans and could be set for a move back to the Premier League with Man United (the Express).
CF) Edinson Cavani
Shunted out wide over the past couple of seasons to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic and it seems as though the Uruguayan is growing tired of performing a supporting role. With a possible clearout in Man United’s strike force, a move to Old Trafford could become a reality (via Daily Mail).