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There's always drama in the Premier League, but nothing is more intriguing than reading the drama of contract renewals. For those that don't know, when a player has less than six months remaining on his current contract, they become free to discuss wages with other clubs, ahead of a potential free transfer.
This has resulted in some real drama in the Premier League in the past, with perhaps the most notable case being Sol Campbell jumping the North London pond. He was the captain of Tottenham Hotspur, but he was tempted by Arsene Wenger's project, and he soon became an invincible with his former rivals.
While we shouldn't expect any drama of that magnitude, there are definitely some stories to look out for. That said, here are the 10 best players with contracts running out this summer:
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#10 James Milner - Liverpool
James Milner, despite suffering an injury recently, got off to a good start this season. It's usually the case with Milner, being a consistent and underrated player in Liverpool's ranks.
With the Englishman, you always know what you're getting. He rarely lets the fans down, which is a reason why he's a fan favourite in Liverpool. He's not the typical player you would associate with playing under Klopp, but even the most exciting of tactics need somebody to calm the play down from time to time.
Milner's experience in England has given him an immense sense of versatility. While nowadays he seems to prefer playing on the flanks, he could just as easily do a job in the middle of the park, should Jurgen Klopp need him to.
He is getting on a bit now, ageing at 32 years old, but he isn't showing any signs of deterioration. Should he sign a new Liverpool deal, not only would it be warranted but Liverpool would be getting a good few years out of their loyal servant.
It remains to be seen whether he will sign a new deal, but one thing's for sure, fans shouldn't be too pessimistic if he does stay with the club.
#9 Nacho Monreal - Arsenal
Similar to James Milner, Nacho Monreal is always solid. He's a real fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, with good reason.
In recent seasons, he has begun to add a goal-scoring dynamic to his overall play, with many Arsenal joking saying they've found their Alexis Sanchez replacement. Overall though, he is an attacking full-back as opposed to a defensive one.
You will often see him bomb forward in order to help with Arsenal's attacking play, and this season, in particular, it has paid off. There are concerns over how long he can continue, ageing at 32.
Arsenal, as has been reported are looking into replacements for the Spaniard, but it doesn't mean they plan on letting him leave. If he is to depart ways with the club, it will come at a price for the other team, because there aren't many players like Nacho Monreal.
#8 Olivier Giroud - Chelsea
Olivier Giroud is known across the Premier League as being an average goalscorer, but that's not the case. Arsenal and Chelsea fans will know all about the ability he possesses, and most importantly, his undeniable goal scoring threat.
He's a tall striker, which enables him to play as the target man. Often winning the aerial duels with his defensive oppositions is what he does best, whether that be to nod the ball home or lay it on a plate for his oncoming attackers.
He's not quite the striker Maurizio Sarri would want, in fairness. With Mauro Icardi rumoured to be a January target for Chelsea, Giroud may look elsewhere. As he is getting on a bit, ageing at 32, he will want to get some minutes on the board while he still can.
Chelsea won't get a lot of money for Giroud, so if they aren't looking to renew his contract, then they should consider selling him in January.
#7 Juan Mata - Manchester United
Formerly of Chelsea, Juan Mata is a likeable guy everywhere. He's always on the pitch with a smile on his face, blessing the fans with beautiful touches left, right and centre. His attacking style of play is easy on the eye, showing signs of his Spanish roots every time he steps foot on the pitch.
He doesn't look like he's part of Jose Mourinho's plans, which is a shame to see, although in recent games he has featured regularly. In the games he has played, the Spaniard has impressed, but it's always hard to get in that Manchester United midfield.
It seems that the United officials don't realise how lucky they are when it comes to Juan Mata. He is one of the players who would have done excellently under Sir Alex Ferguson but has fallen under the radar with Jose Mourinho.
Either way, no matter where he ends up he will come up with the goods, so be sure to follow these talks!
#6 David Luiz - Chelsea
David Luiz looked to have fallen under the radar under Antonio Conte. However, he is one of the many players who has improved under the fast impact of new Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri.
The Brazilian has been key to Chelsea's impressive defensive display this season. While there are rumours of Antonio Rudiger getting a new contract extension, it should be Luiz who gets priority. If both parties are happy with a contract extension being offered and signed, then there's no reason why this should be prevented.
Although Luiz did flee to the French league for some time, you can't say he hasn't been a loyal Chelsea servant. He was around when Chelsea won the Champions League and the Europa League.
If he is to leave the club, then Chelsea fans will feel hard done by should he leave on a free. While the best option would be to renew his contract, if the Chelsea officials or the defender's party doesn't want that, then he should at least be sold in January.
#5 Toby Alderweireld - Tottenham Hotspur
It's been rumoured that Alderweireld would leave Spurs for quite some time now. He has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but nothing materialised of the rumours.
He had also lost his way in the first team under Mauricio Pochettino at the time, but he's starting to get more minutes on the board this season. He's looked okay, nothing too special. It's a shame to see because we all know the heights he can reach as a defender.
Should Tottenham lose out on the Belgian, then they will miss his attacking input, but most important his defensive solidarity. It's all well and good spraying the passes out from the back, but when it comes down to it, there aren't many defenders who are better in last-ditch scenarios than Toby Alderweireld.
#4 Anthony Martial - Manchester United
Anthony Martial has had a roller-coaster of a time at Manchester United. Working under Jose Mourinho has taught him a lot, but those lessons have been bittersweet, to say the least. Mainly, he has learned from his mistakes - most of those evolving from his relationship with Mourinho.
The media is consistently on their case, as football fans across the globe seem fascinated by their constant tiffs. It remains to be seen whether or not this will sway Martial's decision to sign a contract extension.
Watching him on the ball, it's easy to feel excited. He consistently pulls new tricks and flicks out of the bag, while his speed off the ball is electrifying. He's shown glimmers of hope, but nobody knows whether or not they warrant a new contract.
One thing's for sure, the Mourinho curse looks likely to strike should Martial move elsewhere.
#3 Aaron Ramsey - Arsenal
The Aaron Ramsey contract talks look to have reached a conclusion, but unfortunately for Arsenal fans, that conclusion isn't positive. There has been no talk of progress in the last few weeks after it was revealed Arsenal wouldn't meet Ramsey's wage demands.
Ramsey is probably Arsenal's best midfielder in recent history. There were a few years in which he took a turn, particularly after his injury against Stoke City. But under Arsene Wenger, he consistently showed promise.
Working under Unai Emery has been a shift for Ramsey, but by the looks of it, he won't have to adapt for much longer. Arsenal should definitely sell him abroad in the January transfer window because there would be nothing worse for the fans than to see him move to a rival.
He will improve whichever club he moves to, so as long as Arsenal are in control, they should ship him to a club perhaps in LaLiga.
#2 Jan Vertonghen - Tottenham Hotspur
The other half of Tottenham's defensive brick wall is Jan Vertonghen, but unfortunately for the fans, his contract situation isn't much better. Tottenham does have a lot more leverage when it comes to negotiating with Vertonghen, though, as he seems to be enjoying his time at Spurs a lot more than Alderweireld is.
Jan Vertonghen, similarly to his Belgian counterpart, is pretty good at striving forward whenever necessary. If you watch Tottenham play, whenever they lead and dominate the game, there are times when Vertonghen would just bomb forward.
It's always a funny sight for the Spurs fans to witness, although he must be careful not to end up with a nosebleed from being so high up the pitch.
Fans are calling for Daniel Levy and company to offer Vertonghen a new contract, and rightly so. They can't afford to lose their best defender.
#1 David de Gea - Manchester United
His form has definitely not been the best this season, I'll be the first to admit. The Spanish goalkeeper is known for saving Manchester United from dropping points, but if anything, it's been him who has dropped the points for his team this season.
Obviously, United's defensive calamities haven't helped, but we should always be expecting better from de Gea. He has remained loyal to Manchester United for a very long time, despite the persistence from Real Madrid to land his signature.
The Red Devils will fear that his loyalty will soon expire, especially given the downwards trajectory United as a club is taking.
It's surprising to see there is not much media coverage of David de Gea. United may be in a bad situation now, but if they lose their shot-stopper, then they will become much, much worse.
