Free agent XI for the 2016-17 season

Mark Schwarzer
Schwarzer has a Premier League winners medal at Leicester

Midfield

Holding midfielder: Mathieu Flamini

Mathieu Flamini
Flamini was used as a backup at Arsenal last season but still has a lot to offer

Mathieu Flamini is another big name on this list. Flamini was released from Arsenal 3 years into his second stint at the club. The Frenchman was mainly a backup option for the Gunners last season and made 24 appearances.

The 32-year-old joined Arsenal from Marseille way back in 2004 and formed a healthy partnership with Cesc Fabregas in the heart of the Arsenal midfield in the latter part of his career. He then left the Gunners for Milan but made a return to England in 2013.

With the emergence of Coquelin though and the signings of Granit Xhaka, Flamini has been considered surplus to requirements and was released by the club. The hard tackling midfielder still has quite a lot to offer though and has been garnering interest from a number of Serie- A clubs.


Centre mid: Sulley Muntari

Sulley Muntari
Muntari has been linked with a move to Italy

Muntari has been on the lookout for a new club after his term at Saudi Arabian club Ittihad came to an end in 2016. Muntari, 32 took the world by storm in his early days at Udinese, Portsmouth and Inter but has been on the decline ever since.

The left-footed midfielder is a highly versatile and adaptable player known for his physical presence and combative playing style. He also possesses fairly decent technical ability and is a solid passer of the ball.

The Ghanaian is currently in talks with Italian outfit Cagliari over a possible move and a deal may be completed by next week. Muntari was also linked with a move to Everton but prefers a move to Italy where he has a huge reputation after successful spells at Udinese,Inter and Milan.


Centre Mid: Raul Meireles

Raul Meireles
Raul Meireles(R) is still a force to be reckoned with in the centre of midfield

Raul Meireles was released by Turkish giants Fenerbahce earlier this season and has been a free agent since. Meireles though is far from finished. At 33, the Portuguese still has some tricks up his sleeve and will be a fine addition to any squad.

A solid presence in the centre of midfield, Meireles was an integral part of Fenerbahce’s squad that won the Turkish league in 2014.

Meireles has had short stints at Liverpool and Chelsea apart from a major one at Porto where he gained his reputation. With over 70 appearances for Portugal, Meireles brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level and would be especially suited to one of the smaller Premiership clubs.


Attacking mid: Lucho Gonzalez

Lucho Gonzalez
Lucho’s passing ability and vision would be an asset to any club

Lucho Gonzalez really made a name for himself at Porto where he made over 180 appearances in 2 stints and bagged 6 Primera Liga titles. The 35-year old has the ability to play in a number of different positions in the midfield but has been mainly utilised in the centre. He is especially known for his ferocious long-range shots and insightful passing.

The Argentine international has been somewhat of a roamer having represented 7 clubs in total. His most recent stint with River Plate saw him make just 7 appearances in 2 years and his contract was terminated this summer.

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Edited by Staff Editor
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