Players whose contracts end next Summer
Players who could arrange pre-contracts in January for Premier League clubs
Mario Balotelli (Nice)
At 27, Mario Balotelli cannot still be labelled a 'precocious talent'. Known to Premier League followers for his successful spell at Manchester City and categorically woeful stint at Liverpool, the Italian has rediscovered his best form in France.
Since moving to Nice last season, Balotelli has netted 26 times in 42 outings — an admirable return for any frontman.
Leon Goretzka (Schalke)
Leon Goretzka, only 22, has already won 12 caps for Germany, netting six times from midfield already on the international stage.
He was part of the young Germany team that won this year's Confederations Cup and has already scored two goals in his first eight appearances this season for Schalke.
His performances, however, have piqued the interest of many of the Premier League's elite, such as Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool.
It is thought the Gunners, who courted him throughout the summer, are in pole position to land the Germany international should he snub a contract extension.
Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli)
There have been conflicting reports about Faouzi Ghoulam penning a new deal at Napoli, but one thing is for certain — they want to tie him down.
With Premier League giants City and Liverpool circling, Napoli know they face the prospect of the left-sided defender leaving next summer.
Last season Ghoulam, who is at home at left back but can be deployed further up the field, emerged as one of the most monitored defenders in European football, contributing 10 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.
He has been a key figure in this campaign, too, as the Stadio San Paolo sit atop Serie A.
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
The 34-year-old left winger has been among Europe's best players for over a decade, enjoying the vast majority of his success at Bayern Munich.
An devastating knee ligament injury at the beginning of October has derailed his season and with just nine months left on his contract at the Allianz Arena — will the Bundesliga champions renew his deal?
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
The evergreen Arjen Robben continues to churn out the goods for Bayern Munich — still possessing the ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck to turn it on its head.
After recently retiring from international football with Holland, Robben has given himself the best opportunity to extend his club career. But will it be at Bayern?
He penned a 12 month extension in January this year but talk of a further season at the Allianz Arena is quiet thus far.
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
A world-class centre back by anyone's standards, Giorgio Chiellini embodies the much vaunted Italian art of defence.
His contract at Juventus, however, is up next summer and after 12 seasons and 447 appearances to date — could this be his last in Turin?
Some teams hoping to challenge for the Premier League title with perhaps slightly leakier defences, namely Liverpool and Arsenal, should be on red alert that this seasoned campaigner could be available without forking out a single penny next summer.
Like Robben, Chiellini has also called time on his international days with Italy, which has the potential to add some legs to his already illustrious career.
Hatem Ben Arfa (Paris Saint-Germain)
A winger whose trickery has fooled many a Premier League defender.
Hatem Ben Arfa's ill-fated move to Paris Saint-Germain has seen him play just 626 minutes of Ligue 1 football since moving at the start of last season and will almost certainly eye a move away from the French capital next term.
The cash-rich Parisians bankrolled the eye-watering purchases of Neymar, for a world-record £198million, and Kylian Mbappe, which will become permanent for £166million next summer and has strengthened their forward line to no end.
As a result, the former Newcastle wing wizard has dropped off a cliff in Unai Emery's pecking order and is now threatening the club with legal action after being demoted to the reserve team.
A return to the Premier League is possible, if not probable, with Leicester touted as his potential suitors.
Joao Moutinho (Monaco)
Joao Moutinho has 105 Portugal caps and 13 domestic trophies to his name, an impressive feat for a player of just 31 years.
Moutinho, who revealed last year he was minutes away from signing for Tottenham when compatriot Andre Villas-Boas was manager in 2012, has spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League and next summer may be his opportunity to do just that.
Monaco endured a mass exodus last summer with Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy just some of the departures which have left a massive hole at the French club.
Although Spurs' midfield is probably too well stocked to see the Portuguese move to north London this time around, a player of his calibre will certainly not be short of offers.
Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid)
Jose Maria Giminez is emerging as one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
Liverpool's scouts have been monitoring the the centre back, with Austrian channel Laola reporting that the Reds sent a representative to the international friendly between Austria and Uruguay.
Jurgen Klopp's side, however, will face stiff competition from Manchester City, who are long-term admirers of the centre back.
He is imposing, quick and a threat in both boxes in the air, possessing the physically and natural tools to thrive in the Premier League.
He has, however, played in only half of Atletico's 12 La Liga games this season, prompting reports that he could leave Wanda Metropolitano after the current campaign.
Stefan de Vrij (Lazio)
Stefan de Vrij attempted to warn off interest from potential Premier League suitors as his contract runs into its final few months.
Manchester United made an approach to sign the 25-year-old in 2014 when Louis Van Gaal was boss, while Liverpool have also expressed in interest in the Dutchman.
Although De Vrij has insisted he and the club are in negotiations, there is no doubt that Premier League comes will prick their ears if word emerges of talks hitting a speed bump.
PREMIER LEAGUE STARS FREE TO TALK
Come January, Premier League players out of contract next summer are free to discuss deals with European clubs, here is a selection:
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Emre Can (Liverpool)
Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Hold tf on, Lapadula only played in a friendly with Italy. He could still play for Peru. @chgarcia345 Would you take him over Ruidiaz, Reyna Benavente or Bulos? He picked Italy, we good with what we have
