The transfer window is almost upon us so we take a look at the players likely to be coming and going in the Premier League this summer
As the 2014/15 Premier League season draws to a close with Chelsea having been crowned champions and the relegation battle reaching its dramatic conclusion, attention will now turn to the ins and outs of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea undoubtedly enjoyed the most success in last summer's transfer window. Jose Mourinho added Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid, Didier Drogba from Galatasaray, and Loic Remy from QPR. However, the big question this year is who will do the best business during this summer's window?
Perhaps the biggest speculation surrounding any player at the moment is the future of Manchester City central midfielder Yaya Toure. The Ivorian international has not had his most prolific season for the club and it has been rumoured that Inter Milan are preparing to spend up to £40 million over four years to acquire his services. The bookmakers are still predicting he will remain at Manchester City with odds of 8/11 being offered on him staying with Manuel Pellegrini's team for the start of the 2015/16 season. (See the sites listed here for all betting options in the UK). However, Inter Milan are the firm second favourites at 7/4 with Paris SG also being touted as a possible destination for the former Barcelona player at 5/2.
Another big name player being suggested as a possible departure this summer is Chelsea's influential wing wizard Eden Hazard. Hazard played a key role in helping Mourinho's side win the Premier League for the first time since 2010 but there is believed to be firm interest from Real Madrid in the Belgian midfielder. He remains 1/10 to not move this summer but speculation has already been flying about his future and with Real Madrid priced at 5/1 to be his club come September there are murmurings that he could be involved in a swap deal with Gareth Bale. Bale is only 4/9 to stay at Real Madrid this summer with Manchester United at 6/4 and Chelsea at 14/1 just two of the potential new clubs for the Wales star.
Manchester United will be looking to build on this season by attracting some big name signings to Old Trafford. Louis Van Gaal has publicly stated that he was not happy with the club's lacklustre title challenge and he is keen to add global stars to his squad to take the club back to their title-contending potential. Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger is one name being tipped at 7/4, along with Bale, to join the ranks at the Red Devils. Roma's Kevin Strootman has reportedly already held talks with Van Gaal to sign for United and he is available at odds of 6/4 to be their player next season. Other names being linked with a move to Manchester United this summer include Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben at 2/1, Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan at 6/4, Dutch midfielder Memphis Depay at 4/6, and German international Mats Hummels at 2/5.
Despite having a poor start to the season, Arsenal found themselves in a late run for the title. The signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona last summer has been a key ingredient in their improved league position this season. It is expected for Arsene Wenger to add Southampton stalwart Morgan Schneiderlin to their squad in the summer. The French defensive midfielder is listed at 4/5 to join the Gunners compared to being 4/1 to remain at Southampton. Chelsea's back up keeper Petr Cech is also being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. The Czech Republic number one is priced at 5/2 for a move to Arsenal. AC Milan creative midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy is another player being associated with the club and he is 2/1 to end up at Arsenal this summer.
It is not just the players that are having their futures debated and discussed. A number of teams at the top have not endured the season they hoped and suggestions of the managerial axe being wielded on one or two managers at the top end of the table are floating around. Pressure has increased on certain managers since Jurgen Klopp confirmed his shock departure from Borussia Dortmund earlier this season.
Pellegrini has come under intense scrutiny at Manchester City after his side not only failed to defend their Premier League title from last season but also exited the Champions League at a premature stage. Klopp is the current 6/4 favourite to take over at the Etihad Stadium with Carlo Ancelotti at 4/1 and Patrick Vieira at 5/1 also being linked to the role.
Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers has also experienced a disappointing campaign after his side came so close to winning their first top flight championship since 1990 last season. Unfortunately, the club have suffered from the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and the injuries to leading striker Daniel Sturridge. The signings made with the Suarez money have not brought the success Rodgers, the board, or the fans had hoped for. Klopp is also the 4/1 favourite to succeed Rodgers at Anfield with Frank De Boer at 7/1 and Rafa Benitez at 7/1 the other names at the front of the running.