Predicting most likely destination for 5 best central midfielders this summer

The 2021/22 has been an eye-catching season, but the business end of the campaign is nearing. Some of the players are already planning a summer transfer move, with central midfielders being one of the hottest properties at the moment.

The foundation of any good team is a talented midfielder who can control the game's tempo from the center of the pitch. While some clubs have such gifted individuals, others don't. Fortunately for them, a few excellent midfielders are likely to be on the move in the coming summer.

On that note, let's take a look at the most likely destinations for 5 superstar midfielders.

---

#5 Franck Kessie (AC Milan to Barcelona)

Atalanta BC v AC Milan - Serie A

Franck Kessie has been at the top of his game since signing permanently for AC Milan in 2019. But the African star is in the final year of his contract this season and could leave the Italian club on a free transfer in the summer.

In such a scenario, Kessie will have a couple of options to choose from but it's likely that the Ivorian international will join Barcelona. The Blaugrana club have had a shocking season by their standards but are now rebuilding under Xavi.

They invested well in the January transfer window but failed to add to the midfield department. With Sergio Busquets slowing down year-after-year, somebody has to take the baton from him and assume his role. Kessie is more than capable of doing so and could change the midfield fortunes of the 5-time Champions League winners.

Kessie is only 25 and could be a hit if he is one of the main reasons for Barcelona's rise to the top of the football pyramid again.

---

#4 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers to Arsenal)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup Third Round

Ruben Neves is yet another player who could have a transfer on the horizon. The Portuguese ace has done exceedingly well at Wolverhampton Wanderers since the club's promotion to the Premier League.

Although he does still have a few years left on his contract at Molineux, Neves might now be in the search for trophies instead of mid-table finishes. Due to the same, Arsenal might be the likeliest destination for the central defensive midfielder.

While the Gunners are not the most in-form team in Europe, their progress this season cannot be debated. Mikel Arteta has done a good job at the Emirates and has built a team of excellent young players. But the midfield currently lacks depth and quality. Granit Xhaka is not the most reliable player while Thomas Partey has struggled with injuries.

Neves could add something different to Arsenal and perhaps help them compete amongst the big boys for the biggest titles again next season.

#3 Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco to Chelsea)

Aurelien Tchouameni (L) in action for AS Monaco

Aurelien Tchouameni is currently one of the most exciting young talents in European football. The Frenchman was a prodigy in Bordeaux and has proved his talent at AS Monaco over the last couple of years.

A swift and strong midfielder, Tchouameni has already established himself in the French national team. But he could be looking to move in the summer, as his talents could perhaps be put to better use at a top European club. Chelsea do seem to be his likeliest future employers, as the Blues could be keen on adding to their squad in the summer.

N'Golo Kante has continued to be bogged down by injuries while he and Jorginho also have only 18 months left on their respective contracts. So adding some young blood could be on the minds of the West London club and Tchouameni could be the answer to the same.

Chelsea look to have failed in their title challenge for the Premier League this season but could succeed next year, especially if Tchouameni decides to join them.

---

#2 Paul Pogba (Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain)

Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League

One of the biggest transfer sagas over the last 18 months has been the future of Paul Pogba. The central midfielder could leave Manchester United as a free agent in the summer and is sure to be a bargain for any club he joins.

While nothing concrete has been established about his future, a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain is looking more and more likely. The midfielder, who was born and raised in France, might be looking to play for his nation's capital next season. While the Parisians have substantial depth in their squad, they do not possess a midfield star with the quality of Pogba.

On his day, the Frenchman could be a difference maker, which is usually the profile of players the Ligue 1 club have signed in recent seasons. Pogba shall turn 29 next month but remains a top talent and could be the missing piece in PSG's jigsaw puzzle as they look to become champions of Europe.

---

#1 Declan Rice (West Ham United to Manchester United)

Leicester City v West Ham United - Premier League

Declan Rice is arguably the best central defensive midfielder in the Premier League at the moment. Rodri and Fabinho could make a case for the same, but given that the Englishman is playing at West Ham, he is a potential world-beater.

Rice can bring calm to a chaotic side through the protection he offers to the backline and the support to the frontline. Manchester United do need such a player and the 23-year-old ace could just about land in the red half of Manchester in the summer.

Ralf Rangnick may not be the manager next season but any future boss would want a talent like the English international. Moreover, the Red Devils are a decent defensive side and have the capability to be extraordinary going forward. But the lack of quality in the center of the pitch holds them back from being an effective and efficient team.

Hence, while Manchester United could lose Paul Pogba in a few months, Rice will be a more than welcome signing at the Theater of Dreams.