5 superstars who will be available for free in 2018 (Part 2)

The January transfer window opens on New Year's day and clubs around Europe will look to strengthen their squads over the course of the month.

The transfer window this January is going to be a lot more exciting as there are several high profile players, currently in the final year of their contract, seeking new employers.

While a few of the players will be coaxed into longer stays with their current employers, a few players will manage to find themselves new clubs and possibly better deals in the current football market.

Here we take a look at a few top players who will be available for free at the end of the season.

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#5 Arjen Robben

Robben in action for FC Bayern Muenchen

Bayern Munich winger and retired Dutch footballer Arjen Robben joined the German giants from Real Madrid in 2009. Since his arrival at the club, the Dutchman has played a pivotal role in the club's successes, during his time at the club.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Robben's stay at the club could depend on who the incoming manager at the end of the season will be. Bayern sacked Ancelloti and replaced the Italian with former manager Jupp Heynckes for the rest of the season.

The Dutchman could stay at the club for another season if Heynckes is retained as club boss for the next season. However, Robben will attract a number of suitors and a move back to Holland seems most likely from the player's perspective as Bayern continue to delay player negotiations.

#4 Jose Gimenez

Gimenez (L) looks to dispossess Suarez (R)

Uruguayan and Atletico Madrid central defender, Jose Gimenez was recruited from Uruguayan club Danubio in 2013 and has made 69 appearances for the club since. The 22-year-old player is a strong robust defender with a number of clubs eager to acquire the services of the young player.

Gimenez was part of the squad that claimed the league title in 2013-14 and was also part of the runners-up team that lost to rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

The young defender has 37 international caps for his country and is on course for a long career with Uruguay. Although his club future is far from secure with Atletico Madrid, a number of big clubs will be interested in signing the young Uruguayan defender.

Simeone's first choice defensive pairing of Godin-Savic has worked for Atletico and Gimenez has found it hard to break into the starting eleven. It will be interesting to see how Diego Simone manages to handle this situation in January.

#3 Yohan Cabaye

Cabaye's Palace contract ends in the summer of 2018

France and Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye's contract at the club expires at the end of the season, and new manager Roy Hodgson will have to sort out the 31-year-old's future. Surviving the drop will be key for Palace to maintain the services of the Frenchman and under new management, the club has started to show signs of recovery.

Currently, on a seven-game unbeaten run, Palace are mounting a comeback after a dreadful start to the season. Cabaye joined the club from PSG in 2015, when Alan Pardew was in charge at Selhurst Park.

A key player for the side in central midfield, Cabaye is the deep-lying creative force that starts every Palace attack. Eager to earn a spot in France's World Cup squad and with just 3 assists to his name, Cabaye will have to impress in the second half of the season. His future could also hinge on his performances as the 31-year-old will be also looking to secure his club future.

#2 Fernandinho

Fernandinho celebrates for City

Brazilian and Manchester City holding midfielder and deep-lying playmaker, Fernandinho is versatile and is capable of playing in numerous roles on the field including central defender and right back.

Under Guardiola, Fernandinho has improved his passing and game knowledge and is one of if not the best deep-lying midfielders in the PL. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, City will have to act quickly to secure an extension deal for the 32-year-old or risk losing him for free.

He has been a vital player in City's midfielder and part of the club's current record-breaking run in PL. Well ahead of United in the league, City and Fernandinho are competing on multiple fronts and could be victorious if they continue putting on similar performances every game in the second half of the season.

#1 Giorgio Chiellini

Chiellini in action for Juventus against Napoli

Italian and Juventus central defender, Giorgio Chiellini is out of contract with the club at the end of the season. The defender joined the club from Roma in 2005 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances for the Old Lady.

The veteran defender is widely considered to be one of the best defenders in the world and will still be a target for top clubs across Europe even at the age of 33. Chiellini is a tall strong defender with superb game reading ability.

The Italian might be poached by former boss and current Chelsea manager Antonio Conte to add some experience to the Blues backline. However, Chiellini might be coaxed to extend his stay at Juventus, but Allegri will have to act quickly to secure his stay.

The multiple time Serie A winner could leave the club for free in the summer window unless the club sells the player in January, which is highly unlikely and it will be interesting to see how the player handles the situation.