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With the season nearing its end as every day passes, so are certain players contracts with the likes of Mario Gotze and Willian set to become free agents in the summer. And this could see some shock moves happen with Willian potentially linking up with Lionel Messi at Barcelona, a club the Brazilian has been linked with on many occasions, and Mario Gotze possibly moving to the Premier League.
What's more, with several other stars out of contract this summer, it could be a busy transfer window for many teams this summer, especially those looking to rebuild - like Arsenal who are 10th in the Premier League and on course for their worst-ever finish in the competition. Free transfers could be exactly what Arsenal need right now with a limited budget despite the need for so many fresh faces in the summer window. With that being said, here are 5 out of contract players this summer.
#5 Mario Götze
Since scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, Mario Götze's career has only gone downhill as injuries and a lack of game time have hampered his progress. The German international now plays his football for Borussia Dortmund after a move from Dortmund to Bayern Munich didn't go as planned for the midfielder who sat on the bench for the most part in Munich.
However, despite returning to Dortmund in the hope of more game time, he has slowly but surely found it harder to break into the starting XI with injuries and the arrival of other players preventing the World Cup winner from a place in the team. This has led to the mutual decision by Dortmund to not renew Götze's contract in the summer and therefore allow the midfielder to leave. Götze has been linked with moves to the Premier League in the past and may look to make a fresh start in England in hope of returning to his best.
#4 Jan Vertonghen
After reaching the Champions League final with Spurs last season, Jan Vertonghen would have been hoping to build on that and reach new heights in the Premier League this season. However, fast forward 7 months and Spurs are outside the top 4 and Jan Vertonghen is likely to leave this summer after failing to renew his contract as of yet. The centre back may be one of many stars to head out the exit door this summer with a squad rebuild the focus forse Mourinho and Daniel Levy ahead of next season.
Vertonghen would add key experience and defensive awareness to many back fours in both the Premier League and several other leagues in Europe as the defender looks to leave Spurs in search of trophies. The Belgian may go down as the bargain of the summer with his key attributes taking his next club's defence up a level. Previously linked with the likes of Manchester United, he may finally decide to make the rumours a reality and give United a much needed defensive boost in the summer.
#3 Willian Borges da Silva
With the likes of Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson Odoi and now Hakim Ziyech to compete with for a place in the Chelsea team next season, Willian looks set to leave this summer and let his current contract run down. The Brazilian has been a loyal servant at Stamford Bridge and had won Chelsea's player of the season in 2016.
However, the 31-year old is set to become a free agent in the summer which could see him seal a move outside of England to the likes of Juventus where he would link up with a former manager, Maurizio Sarri. He would be a solid signing for most clubs in Europe with his ability to score goals as well as assist, both key attributes that are fit for the top clubs in Europe.
Willian has scored 56 goals and assisted 58 in 323 appearances during his time at Chelsea which adds up to 114 goal contributions, a record that will attract top clubs. With that being said, the transfer of Willian for free would be one of the bargains of the summer for any club.
#2 David Silva
After a decade at Manchester City, David Silva will be leaving the club this summer as a legend of the Premier League. The out of contract star has won everything but the Champions League with City and will bow out as one of the most successful midfielders to grace English football. The Spaniard is still in with a chance of winning the Champions League with Manchester City this season which would be a fitting way to end a fantastic 10-year spell.
Adding to this, Silva has been an integral part of several Manchester City sides from the famous last-minute title winners in 2012 to the ruthless centurions in 2018. The midfield maestro is very likely go on to play a huge role at his next club wherever that may be as he looks to add to an already stacked trophy collection.
What's more, Silva has already been linked with a move back to his home country in Spain and an astonishing move to David Beckham's Inter Miami side. Either way, the free signing of David Silva in the summer will be a bargain for any side who would be buying a Premier League legend.
#1 Dries Mertens
With Napoli sitting outside the top half of the table and on course for their worst Serie A finish since 2009, Dries Mertens looks set to leave the struggling Italian side with Manchester United favourites for the Belgian's signature. The Napoli forward would be the perfect signing for Manchester United with Merten's pace and finishing ability the perfect match to that of Marcus Rashford who would learn from the experienced current Napoli man.
Moreover, the forward has picked up a habit over the years of scoring against Liverpool, something that makes his signature all the more attractive for Manchester United. Mertens has scored twice in as many games against Liverpool this season in the Champions League for Napoli, including in a 3-0 home victory.
Although, Manchester United aren't the only club that have been linked with a move for Mertens this summer with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal also rumoured to be interested in the forward who has recorded 15 goal contributions so far this season.
To conclude, with several players becoming free agents in the summer, many clubs will be desperately attempting to sign a potential bargain of the season ahead of the new campaign in order to improve their squad's.
Also read: Chelsea and PSG interested in signing Dean Henderson this summer
