Transfer News:From Griezmann to Bale, Hazard to Fekir: The top 50 summer transfer targets of 2018

With the opening of the summer transfer window not far away, Foot Cric News takes a look at some of the big names who could be making a move.

Toby Alderweireld | Tottenham | Defender

Toby Alderweireld's time at Tottenham looks set to end this summer and there are a number of clubs said to be keen on his signature. Manchester United are eager to strengthen their backline and Alderweireld is one of a number of candidates for the role, but the 29-year-old is also on the radar of Chelsea. Despite his advancing years, the Belgium international is expected to command a significant fee and Spurs will be desperate to get the best price as they come to terms with the cost of their new stadium.

Leon Bailey | Bayer Leverkusen | Forward

Leon Bailey has been a key member of the Bayer Leverkusen squad since joining from Genk in 2016 and, despite being just 20, has carved out a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in the Bundesliga. The Jamaican forward’s displays have unsurprisingly attracted attention from some of Europe’s bigger clubs and, as reported by FootCricNews, Manchester City have now joined the race as Pep Guardiola looks to make a push for Champions League glory next season. However, City will not have a straight run at Bailey, with Bayern Munich also thought to be admirers.
Gareth Bale | Real Madrid | Forward

Gareth Bale has won a Liga title and two Champions Leagues during his time at Real Madrid, scoring plenty of important goals for the Blancos over the course of four seasons, including in Sunday's Clasico. However, due to injuries and poor form, he has been in and out of the team in 2017-18, leading to suggestions that he may be nearing an exit. Bale is valued by the club president Florentino Perez, but does not appear to figure prominently in Zinedine Zidane’s plans. Bayern Munich are reportedly weighing up an offer for the 28-year-old, while some quarters have even suggested that a return to Tottenham is possible.
Michy Batshuayi | Chelsea | Forward

Having joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from Chelsea for the second half of the season, Michy Batshuayi has reinvigorated his career and the Bundesliga club are keen to make the move permanent. The Belgium international scored nine goals in 14 games in all competitions for BVB, including seven in 10 Bundesliga appearances, before an ankle injury brought an end to his season. Foot Cric News understands that Chelsea may ask for £50m ($68m) for the 24-year-old, which could be a deterrent.
Hector Bellerin | Arsenal | Defender

Hector Bellerin came through the ranks at Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before signing for Arsenal in 2011 and he has established himself as one of the most talented right-backs in the Premier League in the years since. However, like his compatriot Cesc Fabregas before him, Bellerin looks set to make a return home to Barca, who have been monitoring his performances in recent seasons. At just 23, he has a long career ahead, but he could potentially have his head turned by Chelsea or Manchester United, who are reportedly interested as well.
Andrea Belotti | Torino | Forward

After hitting 26 goals in Serie A for Torino in 2016-17, Andrea Belotti saw his name linked with a host of European giants, including Chelsea and Juventus. However, the striker opted to remain at the club, signing a new contract. Belotti has not hit the heights he did last season, but his stock is still well considered and he has firm admirers in AC Milan, with Gennaro Gattuso desperate to improve his attacking options ahead of the next campaign. The Rossoneri are not alone though and Ligue 1 side Monaco could rival the Italians for Belotti’s signature as they chase a replacement for Radamel Falcao.
Julian Brandt | Bayer Leverkusen | Midfielder

Germany international Julian Brandt has risen to prominence in recent seasons as one of the best young talents in the Bundesliga. A goalscoring winger, the Bayer Leverkusen man turned down a move to Liverpool last season, but remains on their radar and could possibly make the switch to Merseyside this summer. However, the 22-year-old penned a new deal in April and his value has soared since helping his country to Confederations Cup glory, so it will be a more expensive venture this time round.
Emre Can | Liverpool | Midfielder

Germany international Emre Can is expected to leave Liverpool this summer for Juventus on a free transfer as the Serie A giants attempt to shore up their midfield. The 24-year-old has long been linked with the Bianconeri and it looks increasingly likely that Liverpool will be unable to convince him to stay.
Thibaut Courtois | Chelsea | Goalkeeper

The future of Thibaut Courtois has been a source of constant speculation in recent months as the Chelsea goalkeeper continues to see his name linked with Real Madrid. The Belgium international has made no secret of his desire to be closer to his family in Spain and the Blancos are on the look-out for a world-class goalkeeper. Courtois still has a year left on his contract with the Blues and, considering the fact that he could leave the club on a free transfer in 2019, they may feel it wise to cash in.
Bryan Cristante | Benfica | Midfielder

Benfica midfielder Bryan Cristante is currently on loan at Atalanta, but is not expected to remain in Bergamo much longer, with a host of clubs said to be keen on securing his services this summer. A goalscoring midfielder, Cristante is well regarded by the top Serie A clubs, including Roma, Juventus and Inter, while Borussia Dortmund are also reportedly keen. A price tag of €30m (£26m/$36m) may put off some clubs, but, at just 23, there is plenty of time for the midfielder to deliver a sufficient return on the outlay.
David de Gea | Manchester United | Goalkeeper
David de Gea has firmly established himself as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, as four consecutive PFA Team of the Year places attest, but his time at Manchester United could be set to come to a conclusion this summer. The Spain No.1 was painfully close to joining Real Madrid in 2015 only to see the move scuppered by the technological deficiency of a fax machine, but the links persist. Indeed, Madrid are definitely in the market for a top-class shot-stopper and De Gea certainly fits the bill.

Matthijs de Ligt|Ajax|Defender

Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is one of the most highly rated teenagers in football thanks to his impressive performances for Ajax. Just 18, De Ligt has already broken into the Netherlands senior squad and he is on Barcelona’s radar as they begin to look to a future without Gerard Pique. However, having signed a long-term deal with Ajax in the summer of 2017 he won’t be cheap and the Dutch outfit will be determined to get their money’s worth. As well as Barca, Tottenham are also reportedly keen on the defender.
Stefan de Vrij | Lazio | Defender

Stefan de Vrij surprised many onlookers when he joined Lazio from Feyenoord in 2014 and he looks set to defy expectations once more this summer. Clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool have variously been reported as interested parties, but De Vrij is expected to remain in Serie A and join Inter instead. Despite an estimated valuation of €40m (£35m/$48m), the 26-year-old will join the Nerazzurri on a free transfer, with his contract due to expire this summer.
Kerem Demirbay | Hoffenheim | Midfielder

Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay recently put pen to paper on a new contract with the club, but he remains on the radar of Premier League clubs Liverpool and Arsenal. The Reds, in particular, have been following the 24-year-old’s progress in the Bundesliga and have been suitably impressed. However it may prove difficult to seal a deal this summer.
Abdou Diallo | Mainz | Defender

If Arsenal are to have any chance of improving their position after Arsene Wenger they will have to strengthen their defence and Mainz defender Abdou Diallo is thought to be on the Gunners’ wishlist this summer. The 22-year-old, who previously played for Monaco, has been impressive in the Bundesliga this season and could be available for a relative bargain.
Gianluigi Donnarumma | AC Milan | Goalkeeper

Touted as the natural heir to Gianluigi Buffon, AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world for a while. The 19-year-old appeared to dispel the notion that he would leave San Siro any time soon by penning a long-term contract last summer, but rumours persist. Manchester United could be in need of a replacement for David de Gea if the Spaniard leaves this summer and Donnarumma fits the profile, while Real Madrid are also said to be interested.
Christian Eriksen | Tottenham | Midfielder

While Harry Kane may get the headlines for his goals, one of the chief architects of Tottenham’s success in recent years has undoubtedly been Christian Eriksen. The Denmark international has a proclivity to find the net from set-pieces, either directly or by setting up his team-mates and he has been linked with a range of Europe’s top clubs. Eriksen’s compatriot Yussuf Poulsen has suggested that the midfielder could feasibly replace the outgoing Andres Iniesta at Barcelona, while reports in Spain have also touted Real Madrid as a destination. PSG have recently joined the list, so it seems that Spurs’ resolve in the transfer market will be tested this summer.
Nabil Fekir | Lyon | Forward

A host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a mega-money move for in-form Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir, who has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season. The 24-year-old was linked with a €70m (£62m/$84m) move to Liverpool on Saturday and more recently it's reported that Chelsea have entered the race to sign the France international.
Willem Geubbels | Lyon | Forward

Teen sensation Willem Geubbels reportedly has a host of clubs chasing his signature and he looks likely to leave Lyon – if not this summer, certainly the following January. As reported by FootCric News in March, Geubbels snubbed the offer of a professional deal with OL and that development has Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea on high alert. However, given his age – Geubbels is just 16 – a move to Monaco would afford the youngster more first-team opportunities.
Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid | Forward

Antoine Griezmann is without doubt one of the most influential attacking talents in the world and his performances for Atletico Madrid over the past three seasons in particular have earned him widespread recognition. However, with a number of top clubs circling, the forward surprised plenty of people by committing his future to Atletico Madrid on a long-term contract. Despite that, he could be on his way out of the Spanish capital this summer, with Barcelona leading the race. Manchester United have also been linked with the 27-year-old, but a move to Catalunya, where he would link up with Lionel Messi, looks more likely.
1. Mauro Icardi | Inter | Forward
  
  Mauro Icardi has been one of the most prolific strikers in Serie A over the course of the past number of seasons and his performances for Inter have earned him the captain’s armband. With the Nerazzurri potentially missing out on Champions League football once more next season, Icardi has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Manchester United are also reportedly interested in the Argentine, who is expected to cost in the region of €75m (£66m/$89m).
3. Jorginho | Napoli | Midfielder
  
  Brazil-born Italy international Jorginho has been a crucial component in Maurizio Sarri’s mesmerising Napoli team this season and his performances have unsurprisingly piqued the attention of Europe’s elite. And, as reported by Foot Cric News, Man City have made the midfielder one of the chief targets this summer as they look to transform a Premier League-winning team into a Champions League-winning one. Jorginho would cost City £50m ($68m), but they are by no means alone in their pursuit, with the midfielder’s agent indicating that “several clubs” are interested.
5. Eden Hazard | Chelsea | Midfielder
  
  Chelsea’s fortunes in recent years have relied heavily on the form of Eden Hazard, but the Belgium international could be set to leave the club this summer, especially as they will not be competing in the Champions League next season. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with Real Madrid and Manchester City, but he would command a hefty fee in the region of £100m ($135m) and any potential deal could involve a swap element. In truth, Hazard has been frustrated at Stamford Bridge in the past few seasons and a move to the Santiago Bernabeu could be just the tonic to satisfy his ambition.
7. Harry Kane | Tottenham | Forward
  
  Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been a goal-scoring revelation in recent seasons and his prodigious ability to find the back of the net has led to suggestions that he should be considered in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 24-year-old England international has subsequently seen his name linked with Real Madrid, but the Liga outfit would have to part with a significant sum if they want to land the striker. Indeed, Kane’s current value is estimated to be over £100 million ($135m).
9. N'Golo Kante | Chelsea | Midfielder
  
  The engine room of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea team, N’Golo Kante has been lauded for his tireless style of play and his reading of the game, attributes that helped both the Blues and previously Leicester City win the Premier League. Now a key member of the France team, Kante has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and he has been spoken of as a potential recruit for Paris Saint-Germain as they attempt to build a team worthy of winning the Champions League. The Ligue 1 giants are not averse to making big money signings and they would have to part with a figure that could be anywhere in the region of €60-80m.
11. Kalidou Koulibaly | Napoli | Defender
  
  Kalidou Koulibaly has emerged as one of the best defenders in Serie A with Napoli and his consistency has drawn interest from Chelsea in particular. The 26-year-old has been a target for the Blues for quite some time already and they are hoping to lure him to Stamford Bridge this summer. However, the chances of that happening will be seriously impacted if Chelsea fail to secure Champions League football.
13. Toni Kroos | Real Madrid | Midfielder
  
  Real Madrid’s World Cup-winning midfielder Toni Kroos has been a key player for Los Blancos since joining from Bayern Munich in 2014 and he played a central role in their back-to-back Champions League triumphs. As Zinedine Zidane’s side pursue a third continental title in succession it seems strange to suggest that Kroos could leave, but it remains a possibility, with Manchester United thought to be the Germany international’s chief suitors. Jose Mourinho needs to improve his midfield in order to match rivals Man City and the 28-year-old would bring much-needed guile into the squad.
15. Thomas Lemar | Monaco | Forward
  
  Monaco forward Thomas Lemar was set to join Arsenal during the 2018 winter transfer window but the move - reported to be worth around £90m ($122m) - fell through at the last minute. However, the club are still understood to retain some interest in the 22-year-old and could make a move this summer. Chelsea are also thought to be in the hunt for Lemar, whose performances for Monaco and France have impressed observers, while Liverpol were also linked with him back in January, but appear to have moved on to other targets.
17. Robert Lewandowski | Bayern Munich | Forward
  
  One of the best strikers in the world, Robert Lewandowski has excelled for both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, but he could be set to leave the Allianz Arena this summer. Real Madrid are said to be keen on the Poland international as they look to sharpen up their attack and move on from Karim Benzema, while Chelsea have also been linked, though Stamford Bridge appears to be a less likely destination. Lewandowski will be 30 at the start of next season but due to his proven goalscoring record he is still expected to cost €60-90m.
19. Riyad Mahrez | Leicester City | Forward
  
  Algeria international Riyad Mahrez earned continental admiration for the part he played in Leicester City’s shock Premier League triumph in 2015-16, with Arsenal, Barcelona, Man City and Chelsea said to have been among the clubs chasing his signature. However, Mahrez stayed put at the King Power Stadium and, while his form dipped somewhat last season he has taken his game up a level once more in 2017-18, reaching double figures in the goal charts. That has revived interest from City and, with Mahrez’s contract running out, the Foxes may be forced to sell one of their prized assets.
21. Malcom | Bordeaux | Forward
  
  Bordeaux forward Malcom was heavily linked with a Premier League move during the January transfer window, with Tottenham and Arsenal believed to be among the clubs in pursuit of the Brazilian’s services. The Ligue 1 side managed to hold on to the 21-year-old then, but they may not be able to resist if a big-money offer comes in this summer. As well as the Gunners and Spurs, Manchester United have also been reported as suitors for the €40m-rated youngster.
23. Kostas Manolas | Roma | Defender
  
  Roma defender Kostas Manolas has long been on the radar of Arsenal and the Gunners are ready to step up their interest in the Greece international this summer as they look to lay the foundations for life after Arsene Wenger. The 26-year-old would help to shore up what has been a leaky defence in recent years, but he will cost at least €35m (£31m/$42m) , a figure that could become inflated following his displays in the Champions League. However, after missing out in January they will be even more determined to get their man this summer.
25. Anthony Martial | Manchester United | Forward
  
  The arrival of Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford has had a detrimental impact on Anthony Martial’s Manchester United career and Foot Cric News understands that the 22-year-old has given his agent the green light to seek out offers elsewhere. Having joined the Red Devils in a deal worth around £43m ($58m) in 2015, Martial has frequently been reduced to a role on the bench in recent seasons, so it is not too surprising to learn that he is eager for more action. Potential destinations for the France international include Bayern Munich and Juventus.
27. Kylian Mbappe | PSG | Forward
  
  Paris Saint-Germain have deal in place with Monaco to sign Kylian Mbappe on a permanent basis, but the 19-year-old could potentially still end up in England this summer instead. Mbappe has been a target for Manchester City for quite some time and, despite missing out on the striker in the last window, they remain keen on landing him. Pep Guardiola is on a mission to add quality to his ranks as he attempts to steer the club to Champions League glory and Mbappe would significantly sharpen the attack. It would require a monumental financial incentive to lure him from under the proverbial nose of PSG, but City have shown in the past that they can compete in that realm.
29. Dries Mertens | Napoli | Forward
  
  Belgium international Dries Mertens has enjoyed some of the best football of his career at Napoli over the course of the last two seasons, scoring plenty of goals from the wing for the Italian club. His performances have seen him linked with a move away and, despite the fact that he will be 31 this summer, his stock is still valued highly. With a release clause of €28m (£25m/$33m), he is relatively affordable for Europe’s top teams and it is not surprising to see that Arsenal and Manchester United have been touted as potential destinations.
31. Max Meyer | Schalke | Midfielder
  
  Max Meyer’s time at Schalke is certainly coming to an end this summer and the 22-year-old has been linked with a variety of clubs across Europe. Thomas Tuchel is in the frame to take over at PSG and Meyer is a player that is highly rated by the former Borussia Dortmund boss, so he would be high on his list of targets. Liverpool and Arsenal are also said to be circling, but he could end up staying in Germany, with Hoffenheim a potential destination.
33. Ruben Neves | Wolves | Midfielder
  
  When Ruben Neves joined Wolves from Porto in 2017, leaving Champions League football behind for that of a Championship hue, a few eyebrows were raised in wonder. However, it looks like the Portugal international won’t be at Molinieux for much longer, despite helping the club back into the Premier League. Liverpool are in the market for a replacement for Emre Can and Neves, who was named in the Championship Team of the Season, appears to fit the bill for the Reds. The 21-year-old is an all-action midfielder, capable of scoring goals and being deployed in a deep-lying role.
35. Neymar | PSG | Forward
  
  He may have joined PSG in a world record €222m move from Barcelona just last summer but that has not prevented speculation from swirling around the head of Neymar, whose name has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United. The Brazil international has, for the most part, enjoyed life in Paris, hitting 29 goals in all competitions before suffering an ankle injury in February. It would be quite extraordinary if he decided to pack his bags and move after just one season, not to mention expensive, but stranger things have happened.
37. Jan Oblak | Atletico Madrid | Goalkeeper
  
  Atletico Madrid seem to have a habit of identifying world-class goalkeepers and Jan Oblak is the latest to come through the club after David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois. Unfortunately for the Rojiblancos, the Slovenian shot-stopper looks set to follow that pair out of club, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United reported to be in the hunt.
39. Christian Pulisic | Borussia Dortmund | Forward
  
  Nicknamed ‘Wonderboy’ by American media, Christian Pulisic has become one of Borussia Dortmund’s best creative talents and his performances for the Bundesliga side have ensure that he has drawn admiring glances from around the continent. Liverpool are believed to be among Pulisic’s chief suitors, though Dortmund have denied that the Reds are interested in signing the 19-year-old. Under contract until 2020, the United States international could cost up to €60m (£53m/$71m).
41. Richarlison | Watford | Forward
  
  Brazilian winger Richarlison has been a star performer for Watford since joining from Fluminense ahead of the 2017-18 season and his displays have certainly caught the attention of observers in the Premier League. However, the 20-year-old did not hide his displeasure when manager Marco Silva was relieved of his duties and his form has dipped somewhat since then. Chelsea and Manchester United are known admirers and could offer the attacker a way out of Vicarage Road. However, his performances, coupled with the fact that he is only one year into a five-year deal, means that they will have to at least double the £11m ($15m) paid by Watford last year if they are to land him.
43. Danny Rose | Tottenham | Defender
  
  Manchester United have been searching for a long-term solution to their left-back problem the apparent rancour between Mourinho and Luke Shaw means that the search is currently ongoing. Tottenham full-back Danny Rose has been identified as a potential candidate to fill the role and the 27-year-old has not been shy about airing his desire to possibly play ‘up north’ again. Other options have emerged for United since last summer though and Rose has not played much in the intervening period, which may impact on the chances of a move happening.
45. Jean Seri | Nice | Midfielder
  
  While Mario Balotelli may be the first name that springs to mind when Nice are mentioned, it is Jean Michael Seri who is the beating heart of the team. Chelsea are said to be weighing up a move for the midfielder this summer and he could cost around £30m ($41m). The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international is a dynamic presence in midfield and is capable of finding the net, as his haul of seven goals in 2016-17 showed. Seri has also been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, so a Premier League move could well be in the offing.
47. Ryan Sessegnon | Fulham | Defender / Midfielder
  
  Fulham are pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season and a huge part of that effort has been Ryan Sessegnon. Remarkably, the flying left-back is just 17 – turning 18 in May – and his performances have earned him recognition from his peers as he was voted into the PFA Championship Team of the Season and named Young Player of the Season. Despite his youth, Sessegnon is reportedly a target for Manchester United and Tottenham, who would be expected to fork out at least £25m ($34m) for his services.
49. Cedric Soares | Southampton | Defender
  
  Portugal international Cedric Soares looks set to depart Southampton this summer and his exit could be accelerated in the event that the Saints are relegated from the Premier League. The former Sporting Lisbon full-back is on the radar of Manchester United, who are seeking a right-back to replace the ageing Antonio Valencia. Soares has also been linked with Barcelona in the past, but the Blaugrana have since signed his compatriot Nelson Semedo.
51. Carlos Tevez | Boca Juniors | Forward
  
  Former Manchester City and Juventus striker Carlos Tevez left China behind to return home to Boca Juniors this January, but he could be set for one final flourish in North America. Foot Cric News understands that Tevez has been identified by Major League Soccer side DC United as a potential marquee signing. The 34-year-old is joined by Fernando Torres in United’s wishlist but it seems likely that they will only have room for one of them.
53. Fernando Torres | Atletico Madrid | Forward
  
  Fernando Torres is leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the season and the former Liverpool star could be set to follow Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Major League Soccer. Foot Cric News understands that DC United have added the 34-year-old to their list of targets as they hope to land a marquee signing that will give them a boost towards the end of the season.
55. Timo Werner | RB Leipzig | Forward
  
  RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner has emerged as one of Germany’s brightest young prospects and he already boasts an abundance of experience despite being just 22. His performances in the Bundesliga, Champions League and Confederations Cup have helped to bolster his reputation and it will come as no surprise to learn that he is on Bayern Munich’s radar as the Bavarians prepare for life after Lewandowski. However, Bayern aren’t the only European behemoth said to be monitoring Werner, with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool also linked.illi
56. an | Chelsea | Forwa
58. rChelsea’s Brazilian winger Willian has found himself in and out of the team at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, leading to speculation that he is set to depart the club this summer. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is a fan of the 29-year-old, having worked with him in the past, and Old Trafford has subsequently been touted as a preferable destination. However, with two years left on his contract and the fact that United are rivals, Chelsea will not be allowing him to leave for cheap.
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