Ligue 1 has been the breeding ground of some exceptional football talent in recent seasons. We have seen the likes of Anthony Martial, Ousmane Dembele and many more youngsters emerging from the French first division in recent times.
Some succeeded while others failed to make it big. In this article, we will take a look at five players who could be on the move to the Premier League in the summer:
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Potential destination: Manchester City
(Video Courtesy: IbraAlliance YouTube Channel)
Just two seasons ago, Monaco had to sell Anthony Martial for a record fee that made the Frenchman the most expensive teenager in the history of football. However, that record might be shattered in the summer as Monaco starlet Kylian Mbappe has managed to attract interest from almost every major European side.
Just 18 years of age, Mbappe has been excellent for Ligue 1 leaders Monaco this season. Thanks to his incredible pace and jaw-dropping skills added to his versatility which makes the Frenchman capable of playing anywhere in the front three. Mbappe has often been compared to the legendary French striker, Thierry Henry.
Also Read: Meet Kylian Mbappe: The Monaco youngster Wenger believes could be the next Thierry Henry
Mbappe has a long list of admirers including both Manchester clubs, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea and it seems very likely that he will end up in one of those big clubs in the summer. The French Under-19 international has everything to succeed at the big stage but needs to choose his destination carefully.
The French teenager is equally capable of playing as a wide forward or a number nine and is quite a mobile player. We all know that Pep Guardiola wants his forwards to work hard to create openings and Mbappe is exactly that kind of a player. With the Citizens expected to spend big in the summer, the Frenchman could end up at the Etihad.
#2 Hatem Ben Arfa
Potential destination: Southampton
Paris-Saint Germain are having a mixed season this time out. Their domestic monopoly looks in danger with the rise of Monaco and Nice but in the Champions League, they have stunned everyone by thrashing Barcelona in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League.
PSG have an exceptionally big squad this season and due to that, some of their star players have struggled to get playing time. Ben Arfa’s career has always been an up and down one but after his excellent last season at Nice where he revived his career, bigger things were expected from the wing wizard at Parc des Princes but he hardly got opportunities.
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The former Newcastle man has shown the world that he is an extremely talented player but has not managed to prove it on a regular basis. The 29-year-old should leave PSG in the summer and could try his luck once again in the Premier League,
Ben Arfa owes a lot to current Southampton manager Claude Puel who believed in him when he was released by Newcastle United when he was the manager of Nice. A reunion with the French manager at the south coast of England might be a good decision for the Frenchman’s career.
#3 Alexandre Lacazette
Potential destination: Liverpool/Arsenal
One of the most consistent strikers in Europe in the last few seasons, it is a bit surprising to see Alexandre Lacazette still plying his trade for Lyon in Ligue 1. The 25-year-old has been in an excellent form this season having notched up 22 goals in Ligue 1 from 22 games and 27 in all competitions.
(Video Courtesy: ScoutNationHD YouTube Channel)
In the last three seasons, Lacazette has scored 22, 31 and 23 goals respectively while in this season, he should reach 35 goals in all competitions with ease which is an excellent figure. A number of teams in England need proven finishers and therefore, we might very well see the Lyon star moving to the Premier League in the summer.
It is as clear as daylight that Liverpool are in a dire need of attacking reinforcements in the summer and Lacazette suits their system perfectly. He is more of a complete forward who relies on his pace and dribbling skills rather than strength and aerial prowess. So, Liverpool is the ideal destination but Arsenal could also make an attempt to sign the French international if Alexis Sanchez leaves the club.
#4 Fabinho
Potential destination: Manchester City/Manchester United
Another Monaco player who stock has risen significantly this season is Brazilian international Fabinho. He was known as a promising young right-back, but this season he has been deployed at the heart of midfield by Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim where he has been excellent.
(Video Courtesy: ScoutNationHD YouTube Channel)
Fabinho has scored eight goals and set up five more while protecting the backline this season and his excellent run of form has attracted the biggies of Europe. Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid all remain interested in the 23-year-old and it seems extremely likely that the Brazilian will make a big-money move in the summer.
Also Read: Fabinho admits interest in joining Manchester United
Fabinho has been one of the most sought out players in Europe this season and his father has already told the media that they prefer Manchester City as his son wants to work his Pep Guardiola. After such a statement, the Citizens have to be considered the frontrunners for the Brazilian’s signature. But the player himself had admitted that to play for Manchester United interests him.
#5 Bernardo Silva
Potential destination: Chelsea/Manchester United
Monaco has been one of the standout performers in Europe attacking wise this season and one of the biggest reasons behind that is their chief playmaker, Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese attacker has pulled the strings from an advanced midfield position on a regular basis throughout the season and his excellent performances have made him a wanted man in the summer.
(Video Courtesy: xKunComps YouTube Channel)
A host of clubs are in the race for the signature of the 22-year-old Portuguese starlet but Manchester United and Chelsea are thought to be the primary two candidates. We have to wait and see who wins the battle for him in the upcoming transfer window.
As per reports, both clubs are willing to pay a big fee in order to land Silva. Both have the financial power but if Manchester United miss out on Champions League qualification, Chelsea will surely have the advantage.
