Five Premier League stars who will be out of contract this summer

With the season once again drawing to a dramatic climax, attention will soon turn to the upcoming summer transfer window, which promises to be a busy one. 

A number of the Premier League’s top clubs are expected to be busy in the market this summer, with stars from all across Europe expected to arrive in England.

The likes of Erling Braut Haaland and Jules Kounde are among the most likely candidates to be plying their trade in the Premier League next term, but there will also be a number of familiar faces missing.

Players at several clubs are due to be out of contract this summer and, while many will still agree to extensions in the coming weeks, there will undoubtedly be players who depart as free agents when the season ends.

Here, we take a look at five Premier League stars who are set to be out of contract this summer.

Paul Pogba

Pogba finally looks to be on the move

The Frenchman’s second stint with Manchester United has been plagued by rumours of unhappiness and desire to leave. The midfielder, who returned to United in 2016 for almost £95 million, has reportedly been unhappy throughout his time in Manchester, and has been heavily linked with a move away from the club. A deal is yet to materialise, though, and the France international is set to leave the club this summer as a free agent. The 29-year-old will not be short of potential suitors when he leaves Manchester, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly already in talks with the player.

Alexandre Lacazette

Having found himself in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s shadow for most of his time in north London, Lacazette finally emerged as Arsenal’s main striker when the Gabon international left to join Barcelona in January. The Frenchman has thrived as the spearhead of the Gunners attack, alongside youngsters Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe, but his contract is nearing expiry and there has been no sign that either party is intent on extending Lacazette’s stay at the Emirates.

Antonio Rudiger 

German defender Rudiger has revived his career in England this season, and looks a far cry from the error-prone centre-back who Blues fans watched under Frank Lampard. The ex-Roma man has played more minutes than any other outfield player for Chelsea this term, and will be a huge miss if and when he does depart Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger is apparently close to joining Real Madrid

The Germany international has reportedly made up his mind on his future, citing the ongoing chaos surrounding the club’s takeover as one of the reasons for him moving on.

James Tarkowski

Defender Tarkowski has been a mainstay of the Clarets’ Premier League journey over the past few years, but his time at Turf Moor looks to be nearing its end. The Englishman has only missed two league games so far this season, and has made more than 200 appearances for Burnley since joining the club from Brentford in 2016. Several clubs outside of the Premier League top six will undoubtedly be interested in Tarkowski, who has two England appearances to his name.

Eddie Nketiah

Nketiah may have scored his last goal for Arsenal

By far the youngest player on this list, few would have predicted Nketiah to leave Arsenal on a free when he emerged through the youth ranks a few years ago. The 22-year-old was prolific for both Arsenal and England at youth level, scoring 46 times in 60 games for the Gunners from under-18 level onwards, and 16 times in 17 games for England under-21s. His transition to senior football hasn’t been quite as prolific, however, and the striker has just seven goals in 54 Premier League matches. Several clubs, including Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Fulham, have been linked with a deal for Nketiah when he leaves Arsenal.

With such an array of talent on offer for nothing this summer, some clubs will certainly be getting a bargain as player’s search for their new destination.