There have been worries over the past few seasons that the Premier League is struggling to both keep and attract Europe’s finest stars, with Real Madrid’s world-record signing Gareth Bale a chief example of a player wanting to move on to the sunshine overseas.
Nonetheless, in the summer window – so far – European superstars Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sergio Ramos have been linked with transfers to Manchester United – club legends that few EPL fans wouldn’t wish to see in England.
In light of such speculation, we’ve picked 10 players that we would LOVE to see feature in England’s top flight next season…
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10. Iker Casillas – Real Madrid
Despite his 25-year career at the Santiago Bernabeu nearing a sad end for a player who has delivered so much to the La Liga BBVA giants, we hope that if he does move on this summer, that it is to England – with previously Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur interested.
With David De Gea odds on to return to Madrid, the Premier League could be set to lose one of the finest goalkeeper’s in world football, but if La Liga legend Casillas opts for a move to England, that would certainly soften the blow – even if he is well past his best.
9. Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
The talented Germany winger sadly won’t be playing in the Champions League next season after BVB failed to qualify for the competition, and one of the Premier League’s top four must surely be looking to tempt the 26-year-old towards a Westfalenstadion exit.
8. Marco Verratti – Paris Saint-Germain
The Parc des Princes midfielder has hugely caught the eye after an impressive season in the French capital – with his performances drawing comparisons to Italy team-mate and Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo.
At just 22-years-old, Verratti is already establishing himself as one of the finest holding midfielders in Europe.
7. Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
Chelsea were heavily linked with the defender in the winter window, but the France international is likely to become first-choice in Rafael Benitez’s back-line.
But wouldn’t it be great if a centre-back with blistering pace moved to England?
6. Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich
Yes, the Bundesliga legend may no longer be the player he once was – but to have such a world-class name grace England’s top flight should be welcomed.
Louis van Gaal – get the deal done.
5. Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid
It’s little wonder that Atleti put a £42.3m release-clause into the striker’s contract, as 22 goals in his debut campaign at the Estadio Vicente Calderon has allegedly caught the eye of Jose Mourinho.
The France forward is capable of playing anywhere across midfield and in attack, and could light up Stamford Bridge.
4. Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid
Whether the Spain centre-back really wants a transfer to Old Trafford or is simply trying to bag himself a lucrative new contract at Real Madrid only the player himself knows – but to see one of the most celebrated defenders in world football perform in England is no doubt an exciting vision.
3. Paul Pogba – Juventus
The former Manchester United midfielder may be considered world-class since moving to Juventus three-years ago, but equal success in the Premier League is by no means a guarantee.
After failing to make an impression on Sir Alex Ferguson, we’d certainly like to see if the 22-year-old really can star in a much more demanding league than Italy’s top flight.
2. Thomas Muller – Bayern Munich
The Germany international is one of the most versatile forwards in Europe, and like his Allianz Arena team-mate, Schweinsteiger, Louis van Gaal is rumoured to be eager to lure the 25-year-old to Old Trafford.
We can only hope the rumours are true.
1. Alexandre Lacazette – Olympique Lyonnais
Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi scored more than the France international, and there can’t be many Premier League supporters who would pass the chance at seeing if the Lyon star can replicate his goalscoring form in England.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all said to be eyeing his signature.
