5 Ligue 1 stars that could move to the Premier League this summer

The inflation of the January transfer window had a huge effect on Premier League clubs as many decided against going ahead with the demands of other clubs, having slapped high price-tags on their shining stars.

Instead, they opted to use their scouting networks, which has in turn helped to scour the various leagues for the next upcoming young talents. A lot of these players in particular have come from Ligue 1, with the likes of Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris and N'Golo Kanté joining the top-flight in the past - developing under the radar while soon becoming household names for their respective sides.

So with that in mind, who could follow suit this summer?

#5: Alban Lafont (Toulouse)

Highly regarded as one of the best young shot-stoppers in Europe, it would be no surprise to see 19-year-old Alban Lafont in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Both Watford and Serie A side Lazio have reportedly been keeping tabs on his progress over the past year, which is no surprise given his ability and potential to develop further in the future. However, Arsenal could potentially make Toulouse an offer they cannot refuse this summer - the Frenchman would be seen as the perfect successor to Petr Cech.

The youngest ever player to feature in France's top tier at just 16 years and 310 days, he has been touted to become the next big thing. Comfortable in the air, composed and a reliable figure for his defenders to trust, he also has the capability to flourish in the Premier League.

#4: Malang Sarr (Nice)

Malang Sarr broke into the Nice senior side at just 17-years-old

The towering teenage centre-back could potentially be on his way to London too, with Premier League champions Chelsea heavily interested in his services.

He could be seen as an ideal replacement for the experienced - but inconsistent - figure of Gary Cahill, who has struggled for consistency this term especially with competition for places at the back a continuous issue for the Blues.

Having come through the ranks of Nice's youth academy as a five-year-old, he scored the winning goal on his first-team debut against Stade Rennais in a 1-0 victory.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked, as have Arsenal, with an extended look towards the future and how Sarr could be a genuine long-term option who improves as he matures. His release clause, set at £36m, is unlikely to deter suitors either.

#3: Malcom (Bordeaux)

Malcom could be on his way to the Premier League this summer

Malcom, 20, has been a revelation in Ligue 1 since his arrival from Corinthians two years ago. As a result, his performances have unsurprisingly attracted interest from some of Europe's top sides - including Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.

His flair and ability to take on defenders with ease makes him an attractive option for most teams going forward, adding something extra in the final third. Having netted eight goals and created five assists in France's top-flight so far this term, he was rumoured to be joining Arsenal during last month's January transfer window for a high price.

However, new manager Gus Poyet confirmed the Brazilian winger would be going nowhere - as per one of the conditions which they agreed prior to him signing as their new boss.

Whether or not the Gunners will persist with another attempt in the summer is unknown, but with so many suitors, it's unlikely that he'll remain a Bordeaux player much longer, regardless of their asking price.

#2: Nabil Fekir (Lyon)

Fekir could potentially make a move to the Emirates to link up with former Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette

Lyon captain and creative midfielder Nabil Fekir is rumoured to be high on Arsene Wenger's summer wishlist, if reports are to be believed.

It's no surprise that he's attracting interest either, as he continues to improve and statistics justify his development in recent seasons too. At 24, he has embraced the responsibility behind spearheading Lyon forward in search of better results and consistency alike.

This season thus far, he's scored 19 goals and created five assists across all competitions. Manchester City and Barcelona are two other top clubs interested in his services too, according to recent speculation.

#1: Thomas Lemar (Monaco)

Lemar in action for Monaco earlier this season

Heavily linked with a Premier League move for some time now, this summer could finally see Thomas Lemar join England's top flight with many of the best reportedly interested in his services.

Liverpool were heavily linked at one point, but interest has cooled somewhat - the same applied to Arsenal, who were reportedly frustrated by such a high asking price last summer.

Seen as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, the Reds could go back in with an ambitious starting bid once the 2017/18 campaign is over. However, with others still monitoring his progress - Chelsea and Tottenham among them - they'll need to be quick in their attempts to try and persuade him into moving to Merseyside.

The versatile attacker was influential during Monaco's title-winning campaign last season and although statistics may not show it, he continues to develop well in France with an increasing level of scrutiny over his performances of late.