5 players who could dominate the summer transfer window

In the past, there have been many transfer sagas in the summer leading to speculation on whether a coveted player would leave for another club – in recent times, it’s been like that for Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Balotelli and Cesc Fabregas to name a few and as for the summer of 2012, things certainly seem that way, so let’s take a look at 5 players who could dominate the transfer window and are sure fire targets of media speculation this coming summer.

Eden Hazard

Belgian whizkid: Eden Hazard.

Where do you begin with Eden Hazard? Probably the hottest prospect in the market today, the 21 year old, explosive Belgian winger has set many clubs’ radars towards him with his eye catching performances for Ligue 1 club, Lille. Dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo, the trickster helped Lille win their first league trophy since 1954 last season and looks all but set to leave the French club this summer as Lille look to cash in on him.

“I think I’m heading to England, the style of play suits me there and I think it’s in this league that I can learn as much. We know the great English clubs. It will be a club where I’m sure to play with a play style that suits me.” – Eden Hazard

With these comments in January, it’s only a matter of which club Hazard will join – Arsenal? Manchester United? Chelsea? Tottenham? We’ll have to wait and see but one thing is for sure; expect a lot of newspaper talk regarding this talented youngster.

Shinji Kagawa

Japanese wizard: Shinji Kagawa.

22 year old, Shinji Kagawa is probably one of the best purchases in football history, having been bought by Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp for a mere approximate of £294,000, his market price today is probably £15-20 million now. Having been in the Bundesliga best XI in his first season and helping Dortmund win the league title after a long 9 years, Kagawa’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed as he has gained interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

However, when it was widely expected that Kagawa would extend his contract with Dortmund until 2016 with double the salary, contract negotiations were reportedly stalled and hence, broken down. Dortmund still remain confident that Kagawa will extend his contract soon but the media will almost certainly continue to link the Japanese maestro with various English clubs as his contract runs out in 2013.

“Of course we are aware he would like to play in England or Spain some day. The question is when he will do so. Shinji is one of our key players and we are very keen to extend with him. The ball is in his court though.” – Dortmund sporting director, Michael Zorc.

“We must decide together how to solve the situation.” – Dortmund CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke after revealing that talks with Shinji Kagawa over a contract extension have broken down.

Robin van Persie

Arsenal's prize asset: Robin van Persie.

“There have been a lot of stories, generally contradictory ones, about my contract situation recently so I’d like to make it clear. There’s nothing complicated or sinister – the club and I have both agreed to speak at the end of the season and see how things stand. For me, this is a time to play football and not speak about personal things. All of my energy needs to go on getting this team where we want it to be this season.” – van Persie

As the above quote specifies, 28 year old, Robin van Persie who has been in stunning form this season has only delayed contract talks with Arsenal so that he can focus on his football – or is it a ploy to force Arsenal to sell him with just a year left on his contract just like Samir Nasri did this season? We’ll have to wait and see. However, the gifted Dutchman who is the current captain of Arsenal has professed his genuine love for the North London club on more than one occasion and seems settled with his family in London. But that won’t stop the media – expect transfer rumours of a move away from Arsenal with Manchester City and Real Madrid, the likely destinations.

Yann M’Vila

France's wall: Yann M'Vila

Dubbed the new Patrick Vieira, 21 year old, Yann M’Vila has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Arsenal heavily since last year. The Stade Rennais player is already a regular in the France team and is touted as the best defensive midfielder for many years to come and is certain to leave his club this summer despite his contract ending in 2015. It’s just a question of where his destination will be as clubs would look to seize the opportunity to sign him before EURO 2012 in an act to prevent his market value from rising.

“Yann M’Vila won’t be a Stade Rennais player next season.” – Rennes manager, Frederic Antonetti.

“Inter, Arsenal, Real. I will take the fun everywhere! These are great clubs. The important thing for me is getting playing time for the France national team.” – Yann M’Vila.

Carlos Tevez

Manchester City bad boy: Carlos Tevez.

We’ve heard it a million times but 28 year old, Carlos Tevez is just not happy in England. After a fallout in a game against Bayern Munich with Roberto Mancini, the Man City manager claimed Tevez would never play for the club again. AWOL from training since, Tevez was heavily linked with moves to PSG, AC Milan and Boca Juniors but it never catalyzed.

However, he has returned to action at a key time for Man City in their title run in but it remains to be seen whether the Manchester club will still trust the talented Argentine rebel after the season’s conclusion so we can expect a lot of transfer speculation.

“I spoke to Carlos and he is happy to move to Italy. We have spoken to Milan and the big Italian clubs are good options. Tevez wants to play at an important club.” – Carlos Tevez’s agent, Joorabchian.