5 Premier League central midfielders out of contract in June 2018

Premier League clubs recently agreed to a rule amendment that will see the summer transfer window close on the Thursday before the start of the new Premier League season. The new Premier League season is due to start on Saturday 11 August 2018 and hence, the window closes on the Thursday 9 August 2018.

The new rule will apply only to the acquisition of players. Clubs will still have the ability to sell players to other leagues in which the transfer window is open.

To keep the window open for 12 weeks, in line with FIFA rules, the summer transfer window's start date has been changed from June 10 to around May 17.

Here we take a look at 5 veteran Premier League central midfielders out of contract at the end of the season.

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#5 Santi Cazorla

Arsenal's nifty, influential Spanish central midfielder, Santi Cazorla has faced a nightmare spell with injuries tracing back to 2015 and is yet to completely recover. The Spaniard has played only 618 minutes of league football with the Gunners in the last two seasons. He is out of contract with the club on June 30.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has a long history of sticking with his injured players during their recovery periods and could offer the Spaniard a new club contract. The Spanish international is crafty, skilful, creative, attacking midfielder who can cause the best fo defences all sorts of problems.

Cazorla is confident of a full recovery and keen to get back on the field for the club but with many sceptical about a return to peak fitness, the club will need to make a decision soon or see the experienced 33-year-old player leave the Gunners.

#4 James McArthur

James McArthur of Crystal Palace shields the ball in an FA Cup game

Crystal Palace's Scottish midfield enforcer, James McArthur is currently in his fourth season at the club since his move from Wigan in 2014. The Scotsman has been influential for Palace in the last few seasons and enjoyed his most prolific goalscoring season in the previous campaign as he notched 5 goals and helped in the club's bid to avoid relegation.

However, the club this term is currently just two points clear of the bottom three, having played an extra game. The 30-year-old is out of contract with the club in June and will be eager to preserve the club's Premier League status and earn himself a new contract at the club. A host of players at the club have been relegated before with other Premier League clubs including McArthur with Wigan and will be keen to avoid facing another drop.

However, if Crystal Palace does get relegated at the end of the season, the Scotsman might opt to leave the club and sign elsewhere provided the right offer arrives on a free transfer.

#3 Yohan Cabaye

Cabaye's future at Crystal Palace remains clouded

Another Palace midfielder, Yohan Cabaye is out of contract with the South London club at the end of the season. The Frenchman has had a poor season thus far and has not scored a single goal in the league for the club. His poor performances might result in the player not making his country's squad for the World Cup.

Whether he resigns for Palace depends on Roy Hodgson's plans for the 32-year-old player and the club's status next season. With 3 assists to his name and just 3 chances created by the player in the league all season, Cabaye might be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson faces a tough battle to avoid the drop in the coming weeks. He will definitely look to revamp the squad for next season once he has secured the club's safety in the top flight and Cabaye could be one of many players that are let go.

#2 Yaya Toure

Former Manchester City captain set to depart

Despite not making regular appearances this season, Yaya Toure status as a Manchester City legend is secure. The former Barcelona midfielder signed for City in 2010 and has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the club during his 8-year stay. Winning two Premier League titles and an FA Cup, Toure was influential in guiding City to their first taste of silverware in recent history.

City's former captain is out of contract with the club in June 2018. The 34-year-old will most likely depart the club this summer in order to get more playing time as he begins the latter part of his illustrious career. The MLS and the CSL are two exciting options for the Ivorian as he has not hinted at retirement just yet.

Toure has made 6 substitute appearances for the club this season in the league and is an experienced squad player helping the younger players at the club. He is expected to leave at the end of the season and continue playing.

#1 Marouane Fellaini

Manchester United could lose Fellaini to a free transfer

Manchester United's Belgian midfielder, Marouane Fellaini remains a divisive figure among the club faithful and manager Jose Mourinho. Known for his excellent ball retention ability, positional awareness and aerial threat, the Belgian is used as a utility player at the club by the manager.

The 30-year-old is eager for consistent playing time and looks set to leave Old Trafford in the summer for free, much to the displeasure of manager Jose Mourinho.

With his contract running out in the summer, it would have made sense for the club to cash in on him in January. However, Mourinho is keen to hold onto the player as he can be impact player for the club with his presence against any opposition. However, some of the club's fans have never taken to Fellaini's game style and are split on the impact he has as a player.

The Belgian has a number of suitors looking to acquire his services in the summer and will land a good club even if he departs from Old Trafford.