5 midfielders who could be on the move this summer

With the transfer window open, the internet has been rife with rumors of players moving to different clubs. Several top talents are entering the final year of their contracts, sparking the temptation of any potential suitors.

Numerous clubs have identified midfield as a problem area and it goes without saying that they will be looking to pounce before the transfer window closes. That said, let's take a look at five midfielders who could leave their club this summer.

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#5. Declan Rice - West Ham United

West Ham United v Southampton - Premier League

Declan Rice is one of the top names on the transfer watchlist for many big clubs. The Englishman has impressed with West Ham in a season that saw his side secure an unexpected sixth-placed finish.

The 22-year-old has been at West Ham since 2015, making 145 apprearances across all competitions. Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United have shown interest in the youngster previously, but were unable to seal the deal.

Rice is famed for his midfield prowess and is capable of playing anywhere in the center of the park. He has an eye for spectacular long passes and is more than capable of contributing defensively as well.

As is the case with many English youngsters, the asking price for Rice is a tad bit high for interested clubs. Rice has three years left on his contract and West Ham reportedly seek £100 million to let him go. With just over three weeks left before the transfer window shuts, it remains to be seen if any clubs will break the bank for the youngster.

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#4. Eduardo Camavinga - Rennais FC

Eduardo Camavinga (left) in action for Stade Rennes FC

Eduardo Camavinga has garnered widespread attention from several top clubs. The highly-rated youngster is currently with Rennais in Ligue 1 and has built quite the reputation already.

The 18-year-old has featured for Rennais since 2019, making 67 appearances over two seasons. He has impressed fans with his skill and maturity, despite being only 18.

Primarily a central midfielder, Camavinga has shown that he is one of the best in the league. He is famed for his box-to-box ability and has already made three appearances for the French national team.

With the youngster entering the final year of his contract, it has already been reported that Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have a keen interest in Camavinga's situation. Carrying a market value of £50 million, the 18-year-old could be the necessary catalyst to many top European sides.

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#3. Manuel Locatelli - Sassuolo

Manuel Locatelli has enjoyed an excellent Euro 2020 with Italy

Manuel Locatelli is another player to have received a lot of admiration of late. The 23-year-old plays with Sassuoli in Serie A and has turned heads his way after his impressive performances at Euro 2020.

Originally from AC Milan, Locatelli signed with Sassuolo in 2019 and has featured regularly for the Neroverdi. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Locatelli has had an impressive season with the Italian club.

His recent performances with Italy have sparked interest from several top clubs. It is reported that there are numerous clubs interested in acquiring the youngster's services. With a market value of £31 million, there has been some interest shown by Juventus and Arsenal.

With Italy already in the semifinals of Euro 2020, we could see a conclusion regarding Locatelli's future after the tournament.

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#2. Granit Xhaka - Arsenal

Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League

Granit Xhaka has divided opinion at Arsenal ever since his signing in 2016. The 28-year-old was signed from Borussia Monchengladbach and has done a great job during his tenure with Arsenal.

Known for his ball-playing ability, Xhaka has often chipped in with crucial goals from distance. The Swiss has also captained Arsenal in the past, most notably to a Europa League final in 2019. Xhaka has won two FA Cups in his four years with the Gunners.

Xhaka most recently broke headlines after leading Switzerland to the quarterfinals of Euro 2020. He captained the side against France in the Round of 16, delivering a man-of-the-match performance to knock out the World Cup holders after penalties.

Several clubs have shown interest in Xhaka, with Roma seemingly the frontrunners to sign the Swiss. With Xhaka expressing publicly that he would love to move to Italy, it remains to be seen if the deal can be completed before the closure of the transfer window.

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#1. Paul Pogba - Manchester United

AC Milan v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Round Of 16 Leg Two

Paul Pogba has been linked with multiple clubs over the past two years. The Frenchman has had an underwhelming spell with Manchester United so far, having failed to meet the expectations of fans and pundits alike.

With Pogba entering the final year of his contract, it seems imperative that United sell the 28-year-old now instead of letting him leave on a free next season. Certainly a talented player, there are several clubs that could greatly benefit from his addition.

Pogba has divided opinion among fans during his entire career with Manchester United. Critics often suggest that Pogba is under-utilised and is yet to unlock his full potential with the Red Devils.

With France already out of Euro 2020, we can expect to see clubs move forward to acquire his services. Having previously expressed his desire to play elsewhere, it remains to be seen if Pogba will remain at Old Trafford for another season.