Despite the fact that we are still three weeks away from the transfer window opening the rumour mill is in full swing. We'll be giving you the lowdown on a number of the reported targets linked with a summer switch over the coming months, starting with a look at a handful of players reported to be attracting Premier League interest.
Anthony Martial (Monaco)
Linked with a big money move to Tottenham at the start of the week, 19-year old Monaco forward Martial is thought to have suitors from across Europe set to fight for his signature. Courtesy of a superb second half of the season, in which the teenager certainly played his part, Martial has the prospect of Champions League football again next season already, so a move to Spurs may not be his first choice if he were to leave.
His progression over the calendar year has suggested that the young Frenchman could aim higher, with 8 of his 9 league goals coming after the winter break. Capable of playing out wide, completing 2.4 dribbles per 90 minutes of Ligue 1 action, it's Martial's composure in front of goal that has truly developed of late, ending the campaign with a commendable conversion rate of 17.6%.
Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla)
Picked up from Ligue 1 outfit Reims last summer after an impressive 2013/14 campaign, Polish international Krychowiak quickly went from strength to strength with Sevilla last season. The 25-year old defensive midfielder has since been linked with a move to Arsenal now that an apparent release clause in excess of £20m has come to light and is just the sort of ball winner that the Gunners had been lacking for so many years.
Francis Coquelin has made the anchor role in midfield his own at the Emirates this year, but competition for places is still a requirement. Averages of 3.3 tackles and 3 interceptions per game in La Liga suggest Krychowiak would put up more than a fight for the Frenchman's place.
Meanwhile, a WhoScored.com rating of 7.75 in the Europa League and subsequent berth in the team of the season for the tournament proves just how crucial Krychowiak was to Sevilla retaining their crown in 2015.
Denis Cheryshev (Real Madrid)
Having returned to Real Madrid after a successful loan spell with Villarreal, Russian winger Cheryshev is likely to be highly sought after, as his chances with Los Blancos are set to be restricted. Liverpool have reportedly been given the go-ahead to firm up their interest in the 24-year old, who secured a WhoScored.com rating of 7.36 in an injury disrupted season at the Madrigal.
Despite starting just 18 of 26 La Liga appearances in 2014/15, Cheryshev racked up an impressive 9 assists, and of all players with more than 5 in Spain's top tier only Suarez, Rodriguez and Messi set up a goal more often (every 188 minutes). Elsewhere his work off the ball didn't go unnoticed, averaging 3.1 tackles per 90 minutes to help pick up a strength when it comes to 'defensive contribution' from WhoScored.
Pedro Obiang (Sampdoria)
Back to something close to his full potential after a somewhat disappointing season in 2013/14, Sampdoria's Pedro Obiang is in the spotlight and firmly in the sights of West Ham. The Spain under-21 international showed great promise when breaking through at Samp and had a solid season under Sinisa Mihaijlovic last time around.
Perhaps playing in a more restricted role than before, Obiang picked up impressive figures of 3.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game last season, however with 1.7 fouls on average and 12 yellow cards his discipline still needs work.
At 23 Obiang will only improve though, and his WhoScored.com characteristics suggest that he still has the makings of a quality holding midfielder if the Hammers do look to conclude a deal early this summer, with Alex Song having returned to Barcelona.
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