Ligue 1: Top 5 players who will be free agents in summer

French Ligue 1 always has been the favourite shopping destination for EPL and La Liga clubs. Spanish and English clubs have splashed huge money to buy players from Ligue 1 in the last summer transfer window. Malcom, Thomas Lemar, Fabinho, Gonçalo Guedes, Mariano Díaz and Jean Michaël Seri are few names who have moved from Ligue 1 in recent time.

Eventhough French league is considered the weakest among Europe's top 5 leagues, it is also arguably the league which produces the most number of talents; underlining it's slogan "The league of talents".

This is exactly why clubs from the other 4 top leagues are vigilant over the contract expiry of several star players in Ligue 1. Players whose contract will have expired in summer are also eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement in January.

Well, who would want to miss out when they could sign these players for free! Here is the top 5 list of Ligue 1 players whose contract will be expired at the end of season:

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#5 Rafael (Lyon)

Not a new face for Premier League fans; Rafael was a Manchester United player for seven long years from 2008. He was transferred to Lyon in the summer of 2015 following differences between him and then Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. However the Brazilian right-back's four year contract with the French club is coming to an end in upcoming summer.

He has spoke about his interest in renewing the contract in the past, but with youngsters like Leo Dubois and Kenny Tete coming up the ranks, it is highly unlikely that Bruno Genesio's side will give him an extension. Despite the competition, Rafael has been used quite alot this season as he has already appeared in 13 out of 18 matches for Lyon so far including in the Champions League.

He will turn 29 in the coming summer and still has a couple of footballing years left in him. He could come handy for a mid table club who are keen to sign a useful right-back. Lazio, who are hopeful of securing a Champions League spot next season are reportedly interested in him.

#4 Kenny Lala (Strasbourg)

Kenny Lala - this name won't be a familiar one to you, unless you are a close Ligue 1 follower. Lala joined Strasbourg as a free transfer from Lens last year, when the club from Alsace were promoted back to the top division of French football.

He turned out to be an amazing addition when he racked up 3 goals and 6 assists from 37 matches last season. The 27-year old right-back was an integral part of 'Le Racing' who finished 15th last season - just 1 point above relegation playoff.

He has started this season where he finished the last one, and has contributed 2 goals and 3 assists from 12 league matches. His exploits are already noted by several Premier League clubs, and Strasbourg will do everything possible to make him stay.

He was linked with a move to Bournemouth during last summer's window and more Premier League clubs will be watching him to see if he is going to replicate the good form of last season.

#3 Mario Balotelli (Nice)

This man needs no intro! The 28-year old Italian striker revamped his career when he moved from Liverpool to OGC Nice as a free transfer in summer of 2016. He was also instrumental in Lucien Favre's side which finished 3rd that season. Just when everyone thought he was done for, he came back by scoring plentiful.

During his second season in the South of France, 'Super Mario' had his first 20-goal season and ended the campaign with 26 goals from 38 matches in all competitions. He was heavily linked with a move to Marseille during this summer, a move that broke down in the final minutes. He hasn't been the same since then, and is yet to score or provide an assist this season.

Nice's new manager Patrick Vieira - who was also Balotelli's team mate in Inter Milan and Manchester City - has mixed opinions about him. As it stands, he is almost certain to leave the club in the summer and a move back to Premier League could be fancied.

#2 Alphonse Areola (PSG)

A youth academy graduate of PSG, Alphonse Areola is destined to be the number-one goalkeeper for both club and country in the coming years. However, as it stands he is in his final year of contract and the Parisian club haven't renewed the contract yet.

There were several doubts surrounding his suitability as the first choice goalkeeper for the French champions. However, he has silenced his doubters by putting on brilliant performances between the sticks. Currently sharing the goalkeeping duties with veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon at PSG, Areola achieved a rare feat last summer by winning the FIFA World Cup before making his international debut.

Even though there are several rumours linking Manchester United shot stopper David de Gea to PSG, the club is expected to renew Areola's contract. Italian powerhouse Inter Milan are aware of the situation and hope to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.

#1 Adrien Rabiot (PSG)

Rabiot is currently a hot property in the football world, with many of the big clubs chasing him. The reason? His contract is set to expire and he has no intention at all of renewing it! Yet another youth academy graduate of PSG like Areola; Rabiot has spent his entire career with 'Les Parisiens' barring a half-season loan at Toulouse.

However things aren't going smoothly between him and his hometown club as of now. PSG tried to offer him a new contract multiple times this season, all of which have been rejected. Whether it is about wages or his desire to play for another club in a different league; it is almost confirmed that Rabiot is leaving PSG after this season.

Barcelona is said to be in pole position to sign the 23-year old midfielder, but will face fierce competition from several clubs like Manchester City, Juventus and Tottenham. PSG will put in all their effort to make him sign a contract extension before January, and if the results are still negative they will reportedly sell him for a lower fee in the winter transfer window. After all, something is better than nothing!