With the end of the year approaching, players whose contracts expire next summer will be free to negotiate a move away from their current club at the start of January, or at least look to agree a pre-contract away from England for Premier League players due to Bosman rulings. There are plenty who will be free agents next summer and we’ve looked to condense it down 10 of the best…
Alexis Sanchez - Arsenal
Linked with - Manchester City, PSG, Juventus
Arsenal are desperate to tie Alexis Sanchez down to a new deal before 2017 draws to a close, but could be forced into selling the Chilean next month rather than lose him on a free. Manchester City are leading the way for his services, but PSG and Juventus have both been courting Alexis. The 29-year-old hasn’t been at his best this season, scoring four and registering three assists in England’s top tier, but would improve any team on the continent.
Mesut Ozil - Arsenal
Linked with - Barcelona, Manchester United
A huge oversight by the Arsenal hierarchy means Alexis isn’t the only Gunners star whose contract runs its course next summer. Mesut Ozil has been criticised on occasion this season, but has still made 54 key passes, a figure bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne (56) in the Premier League. A return to Spain has been mooted, with Barcelona supposedly looking to lure him to Camp Nou in January, while a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United is also possible. One thing’s for sure, Arsenal would be keen to recoup money on Ozil and Alexis, which could see both on the move next month, rather than lose the duo on a free next year.
Emre Can - Liverpool
Linked with - Juventus, Manchester City
Emre Can is believed to want a release clause in his contract in order to extend his stay at Liverpool, though the Reds are reluctant to include such a stipulation. As such, negotiations are at an impasse and with Naby Keita arriving next summer, the German is unlikely to stick around. The 23-year-old has been a consistent performer on Merseyside since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen and his good form has seen Manchester City linked with a move for Can. However, it’s Juventus who are believed to be leading the way for the midfielder.
Leon Goretzka - Schalke 04
Linked with - Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus
One of the most sought after talents in Europe, there is no shortage of suitors for Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka. Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Germany international, but they face a fight on their hands for the highly rated 22-year-old. A host of Premier League teams have been monitoring Goretzka, as have Barcelona and Juventus, and with the youngster unwilling to extend his stay in Germany, a mad scramble for his signature is expected to ensue over the coming weeks.
Max Meyer - Schalke 04
Linked with - Liverpool, Tottenham
Sticking with Schalke and while Goretzka is the high profile star expected to depart, Max Meyer is another whose contract expires next year. "It is not the case that I will definitely go. I never said I would change clubs - let alone this summer - I just did not renew the contract,” the 22-year-old said earlier in the year. Meyer has struggled to match the standards set of him when he broke onto the scene, but Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be a fan of the youngster, while Liverpool have also been mooted as a possible destination.
Stefan de Vrij - Lazio
Linked with - Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton
Stefan De Vrij missed a substantial chunk of the 2015/16 season due to a serious knee injury, but his admirers list has shown no signs of shortening. The centre-back has started the campaign strongly for high-flying Lazio, while no defender has scored more goals in Serie A this season than De Vrij (3). The Dutchman was seen as an alternative to Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool last summer, while rivals Manchester United and Everton have also targeted the centre-back in the past. The trio could lock horns for De Vrij should he become available for a free transfer.
Jose Gimenez - Atletico Madrid
Linked with - Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal
After breaking into the Atletico Madrid first team, big things were expected of Jose Gimenez, but regular minutes have been hard to come by in recent seasons. Diego Simeone looked to crowbar the Uruguayan into his Atleti side in midfield and right-back, though for his development, the 22-year-old needs regular action in his best position. Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the battle hardened defender and it could well be that Gimenez is coming to a Premier League team near you sooner rather than later.
Ross Barkley - Everton
Linked with - Chelsea, Tottenham
A deadline day move to Chelsea failed to materialise and it’s unlikely that Ross Barkley will be an Everton player before the end of January. The Blues are expected to return for the England international, while Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of the 24-year-old. Barkley is yet to feature for the Toffees this term due to a hamstring issue, however the London pair are expected to thrash it out for the midfielder next month.
Arjen Robben - Bayern Munich
Linked with - Groningen
Jupp Heynckes has backed Arjen Robben to pen a new deal before the end of the season and Bayern Munich are understandably keen to extend his stay in Bavaria. The flying Dutchman has been in fine form since Heynckes returned to Bayern, but with no offer on the table, speculation will only intensify over the coming weeks. Retirement is an option for Robben, who called time on his international career earlier in the year, though a return to the Netherlands is also on the cards. In 2016, Robben admitted the only team who could convince him to leave Bayern would be former side Groningen - “If Groningen calls, then things will get hairy”.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - Athletic Club
Linked with - Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal
Athletic Club are understandably keen to keep hold of aptly named first choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, but face a losing battle to retain the 23-year-old’s services. He’s made the second most accurate long balls (157) in La Liga this season and with Real Madrid looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, they lead the way for the Spaniard. Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have also eyed up the youngster, though are unlikely to trump Real Madrid in this race.
