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#3 Kalidou Koulibaly
Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly has evolved into one of the finest defenders and most sought-after players since his arrival in the south of Italy in the summer of 2014.
The 28-year-old Senegalese centre-back, who has a market value of €65 million, has been a bulwark in the heart of the Napoli defence, making over 250 appearances in all competitions while also registering ten goals and five assists.
Koulibaly was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all interested in his services. Although he has stayed back in Naples for the start of the season, it is quite plausible that he ends the season in the Premier League.
Liverpool have been jolted by long-term injuries to their first-choice central defensive duo of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Koulibaly could be a like-for-like replacement for the Dutchman, and could immediately bolster the club's unusually creaky defence this season.
Despite interest from the three Premier League heavyweights, Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli does not want Koulibaly to leave for cheap, saying:
"He is a great footballer and the club has the right to ask for the price it wants. They say negotiations will change, but in my opinion this is an alibi. I don't think the coronavirus issue can change the price of Koulibaly or other top players."
#2 Dayot Upamecano
Despite his young years, Dayot Upamecano has been one of the most impressive players at RB Leipzig since his arrival at the club in the 2016-17 season.
The 22-year-old centre-back has already racked up over 120 appearances in all competitions for the club. He has been particularly impressive this season, as his exploits in the Leipzig defense has helped one of the newest top-5 league teams to the Bundesliga summit ahead of serial winners Bayern Munich.
Upamecano was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Manchester United interested in his services. However, in the aftermath of their latest defensive crisis, reigning Premier League winners Liverpool have also reportedly entered the fray for the Frenchman.
With Leipzig ready to 'listen' to offers in excess of £40 million for their much sought-after defender, Upamecano could be headed to the Premier League in January, as both United and Liverpool need to bolster their rearguards.
#1 Ousmane Dembele
One of several players identified as deadwood at Barcelona in the summer, Ousmane Dembele was on the cusp of joining Manchester United before the move didn't materialise.
Despite not being in the plans of Ronald Koeman, the player stayed back at the Camp Nou and sought to work his way into the manager's preferred starting XI. That did not enthuse the club hierarchy, as Barcelona hoped to utilise the funds from his sale towards landing one of their top transfer targets - Memphis Depay.
Since arriving at the Catalan club on a mega transfer following his blistering exploits at Borussia Dortmund, the Frenchman has largely failed to live up to expectations during an injury-riddled stint.
Out for almost ten months, Dembele returned to the Barcelona fold in September but hasn't managed to set the ground ablaze with his performances.
Injuries apart, the 23-year-old is a fine player who is able to conjure moments of brilliance. Unfortunately, such moments have been too few and far between at the Camp Nou.
With Manchester United still interested in the player's services and Arsenal also reportedly in the fray, Ousmane Dembele could leave Barcelona in the upcoming transfer window and arrive in the Premier League.
If that happens, Barcelona will hope to recoup a part of their initial investment on Dembele, as the player becomes a free agent in the summer and could leave the club for free.
