3 superstars who may move to the Premier League this summer

The Premier League transfer window is officially open. With all 20 clubs expected to do their business in recruiting new, upcoming talent and top players from across the globe, the period of hope and expectation is firmly upon us.

The 2017-18 season saw Manchester City coast to the title, finishing 19 points ahead of eventual also-rans Manchester United. Tottenham and Liverpool secured Champions League football, ensuring that Chelsea and Arsenal were condemned to Europa League hell. Elsewhere, Burnley, Leicester and Newcastle all finished strongly, while Stoke, Swansea and West Brom were relegated.

Irrespective of a club's stature, ambition or budget, one thing is certain: new signings; players who won't just add quality to the side, but also to increase the squad size and provide valuable back-up.

Clubs have already made their initial moves, scouting exciting new talent and making offers players can't refuse, with the likes of Fabinho (to Liverpool), Ricardo Pereira (to Leicester) and Jonas Lossl (to Huddersfield) all completing moves ahead of the World Cup.

The future of some of the biggest stars, however, is shrouded in doubt and uncertainty. Therefore, we take a look at 3 superstars who could move to the Premier League ahead of the 2018-19 season:

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese super-star stole headlines from team-mate Gareth Bale moments after Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev on the 27th of May, in a manner only he can!

"It was very nice to be at Real Madrid, in the coming days I will talk about it more." - Ronaldo in an interview to beIN Sports.

This transfer bombshell, followed by Zidane's shock resignation has led the Los Blancos faithful to believe it is entirely possible that Ronaldo may not be at the Bernabeu come next season.

Although many believe this is an attempt by Ronaldo to get himself an improved contract on par with Messi and Neymar, the Portuguese has never denied fancying a second stint in England.

If such a mind-boggling transfer was to materialize, only Manchester United could afford the astronomical wages that Ronaldo would command. Adding to the noise and growing uncertainty in Spanish publication Marca, who have claimed that the Portuguese informed his team-mates ahead of the Champions League final of his impending exit.

Although it is unlikely Ronaldo will leave, this promises to be an intriguing summer for Real Madrid who are in the hunt for a new manager, even as they struggle to hold on to some of their biggest superstars.

#2 Gareth Bale

Bale looks set to depart the Bernabeu.

Perhaps no other player in the world has had as contrasting a time at Real Madrid as Welsh super-star Gareth Bale. He has managed to start only 24 games this campaign under Zidane, yet has 21 goals to his name including *that* Champions League final goal against Liverpool.

Bale's numbers for this last season? 24 goals and 4 assists in 2099 minutes of action for club and country, with a pass success rate of 82.6% and 8 'Man of the Match' awards. Pretty impressive, right? Except, it isn't. Bale had a torrid first half of the 2017-18 season, hampered by injury and inconsistency. Players like Isco, Vazquez and even young Asensio were regularly picked by Zidane, ahead of the Welshman.

"Obviously I need to be playing week-in, week-out and that hasn't been happening this season, for one reason or another. I had a five week injury at the start of the season and I've been fit ever since. I'll have to sit down in the summer and discuss it with my agent and take it from there." - Bale following his heroics against Liverpool in Kyiv.

Bale is right in demanding more playing time, and Zidane's shock departure may just help him knock down a starting spot. However, his struggles in Spain, coupled with former club Tottenham's interest is likely to see him return to England.

Manchester United could be another possible destination for the Welshman, having been long-time admirers of the winger. ESPN report United as having made Bale their No.1 target this summer, with a €100 million offer on the cards.

Bale's preference is to remain at Real Madrid, where he has a contract until 2022, but only if he gets assurances about being given a more prominent role next season.

#3 Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski could solve Chelsea's goal-scoring woes.

The 29-year-old Polish striker has excelled yet again with the Bavarian giants, smashing 40 goals in 47 games this season. Recent reports, however, have suggested the Pole to be unsettled at Munich, with agent Pini Zahavi adding fire to the rumours.

Lewandowski has scored 151 goals in 195 games since signing from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in 2014 and has been linked with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United."Robert feels as if he needs a change and a new challenge in his career," Zahavi told Sport Bild. "Bayern's bosses have been informed. Money or a specific club are not Robert's motivation for a move, as almost every top club would like to have the best striker in the world in their ranks." (via ESPN)

Despite the player's wishes, the Bundesliga champions would be highly reluctant to see Lewandowski leave the Allianz Arena. Earlier this month, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "No one needs to worry - Lewandowski will be playing for us next season."

The fact remains, however, that no club can retain a player against his/her wishes. If Lewandowski does want to move away from the German champions, he will have several clubs queuing up for his services, especially Chelsea who could offer Morata in a swap deal.