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With the transfer window open for almost a month now, we have already seen some massive deals go through. Several high-profile players have already switched clubs, with more seemingly on the way.
While attackers have been in high demand so far, there is a feeling that clubs are yet to complete deals for their top targets in defense. As the famous saying goes, attack wins you games but defense wins you titles.
Numerous full-backs have been in the news recently, linked with potential future moves. While some have been described as sensible, others have come across as outlandish in the eyes of the public.
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On that note, let's take a look at five full-backs who could be on the move this summer.
#5 Benjamin Mendy - Manchester City
Benjamin Mendy is one of the full-backs who could seek a new challenge this summer.
Signed in 2017 by Manchester City from Monaco for a reported £52 million, it is common opinion that the Frenchman has failed to live up to his price tag. Known for his blistering pace and excellent crossing ability, Mendy arrived at the Etihad Stadium amid high expectations.
But it is fair to say that Mendy is yet to meet those expectations. Despite the full-back's tenure with City being plagued by injuries, Mendy has found himself on the bench even when fully fit. He has often served as a deputy instead of a starter, with players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo getting the nod ahead of him.
With the 26-year-old full-back now into the final year of his contract with Manchester City, it seems unlikely that he will make it into the starting line-up for the upcoming season. Several clubs have shown interest in Mendy and his future is well and truly in the balance. With the Premier League season kicking off in about a month, Mendy will be pushing to decide his future soon.
#4 Max Aarons - Norwich
Max Aarons has been seriously impressive over the past two seasons.
The 21-year-old signed his full professional contract with Norwich in 2018 and hasn't looked back since. The full-back was a key member of the Canaries' successful campaign in 2018-19 which saw them getting promoted to the Premier League.
In the subsequent season, Aarons continued his fine form and impressed fans and pundits alike with his talent. Although Norwich were relegated from the Premier League, Aarons remained one of the side's silver linings from the season.
The young full-back was linked with several clubs last summer, but the Englishman stayed put at Norwich. Aarons continued his impressive performances for the Canaries last season, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League once again.
With the Premier League season set to kick off in about a month, interested clubs will need to move quickly if they are to secure the youngster's services.
#3 Kieran Trippier - Atletico Madrid
Kieran Trippier has been on the radar of several top clubs in Europe.
The 30-year-old was impressive during his tenure with Tottenham Hotspur and was signed by Atletico Madrid in 2019 in a surprising move. It's not often you see English players playing abroad, but Trippier took his chance with aplomb.
In his second season with Atletico, Trippier won the La Liga title in a brilliant season that boasted many positives. Atletico were able to topple the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly, with Trippier a key contributor to the feat.
Heavily mooted to join Manchester United, Trippier has yet to speak out publicly about the links. Emphasizing that his priority is the onging Euro 2020, Trippier's potential move will seemingly have to wait until after the tournament.
Atletico Madrid have firmly stated that the only way Trippier leaves is if his release clause is bought out. With that amount set at £34 million, it remains to be seen if Manchester United will shell out the money to sign the full-back.
#2 Hector Bellerin - Arsenal
Hector Bellerin has been with Arsenal since 2011. Currently the club's longest-serving player, it looks increasingly likely that the Spaniard will leave the Gunners this summer.
Originally from the Barcelona youth system, Bellerin was brought to the Emirates as a young talent showing a lot of promise. Famed for his electric pace, Bellerin had to wait before he could make his impact at the Emirates.
Promoted to the first team in 2015, Bellerin amazed fans with his blistering pace on the wings. He made an instant impact and was touted as one of the best young full-backs in the world.
Since then, the Spaniard has been unfortunate with regards to his fitness. He suffered a career-threatening injury in 2019 and it is common opinion that he has not been the same since. He seems to have lost a yard of pace and looks increasingly out of favor at Arsenal.
Several clubs have been monitoring the situation of the 26-year-old. With the Gunners often opting to play Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares at right-back over Bellerin, it seems increasingly likely that Bellerin has played his last game for Arsenal.
#1 Robin Gosens - Atalanta
Robin Gosens is the latest target for several top clubs in the market for a full-back.
Gosens, who was signed by Atalanta from Dutch outfit Heracles Almelo in 2017, has impressed for the Italian side since. He has been a mainstay for Atalanta in the left-back position and has already notched up 149 appearances across all competitions with La Dea.
Capable of playing as a left-back as well as a left wing-back, Gosens' best quality is his attacking prowess. Boasting deadly pace and excellent crossing ability, Gosens ranks very highly in terms of attacking output.
His most recent outing in Serie A saw him bag a stunning 11 goals and six assists across the course of the season. His attacking numbers are truly exceptional and have sparked the interest of several top clubs in Europe.
He enjoyed a fantastic Euro 2020 with Germany as well, racking up one goal and two assists in a group which also had Portugal and France. His most notable performance was in a 4-2 win against defending champions Portugal, with Gosens being at his attacking best.
Although Germany crashed out of Euro 2020 after losing 2-0 to England in the Round of 16, Gosens' abilities have sparked the interest of several top clubs in Europe. With no dearth of suitors, it remains to be seen where Gosens will play next season.
