5 world-class goalies who may move this summer

The transfer season is back again with its numerous rumours and speculations regarding the future of the hottest prospects in world football. Young prodigies, established talents, unsettled stars, all are being chased by clubs ranging from European giants to lesser-known but ambitious clubs.

Interestingly, this year's summer transfer window will be unlike any other as for the first time in a long while, a number of big teams are looking to reinforce their goalkeeping position.

Whilst Arsenal and Juventus have already signed new keepers in Bernd Leno (signed from Bayer Leverkusen) and Mattia Perin (signed from Genoa) respectively, there are still some clubs including Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, and Napoli, which are seriously analyzing their options and have earmarked certain targets to fill the goalie role.

Here is a look at five world-class goalkeepers, who may be at new clubs at the start of the 2018-19 season.

#5 Gigi Donnarumma (AC Milan)

Donnarumma has recently become one of those names that are linked with a move away every summer. This is to be credited to his prodigious talent, which has made him one of the best young prospects in Europe at the age of 19.

In 2017, it looked like he was destined to leave AC Milan but the expected move never materialized. During that time, he was heavily criticised by the Rossoneri fans, who believed he wanted to leave the San Siro purely for monetary reasons.

Some fans even went as far as booing him, throwing fake money at him, and trolling him using a banner that read 'Dollarumma'. Although he eventually ended up staying, a transfer to another club appears to be on the agenda again with big clubs lurking to snatch him away from the seven-time European champions.

In the last season, Donnarumma kept 21 clean sheets in 53 matches, conceding 57 goals, in what was an above-average season.

Despite all, Liverpool and PSG are said to have an interest in signing him for the new season, and judging by the selling itch Donnarumma's agent Mino Raiola has, this may be the transfer season that sees the Azzurri number one move.

#4 Petr Cech (Arsenal)

Cech is currently Arsenal's number one but this could easily change, now that the Gunners have signed Leno. The German's arrival means Cech's first-team spot is under threat as manager Unai Emery looks to shape a team in his own image.

The veteran could very well pack his bags and move elsewhere as a lack of minutes was the reason he ended his long allegiance with Chelsea and moved to North London to play for Arsenal in 2015.

In 2017-18, the Czech veteran appeared 38 times for the Gunners and managed to keep 12 clean sheets. Evidently, he wasn't as solid as he once used to be. At 36, he may be past his prime already but, being a keeper who has won an impressive number of trophies in his career, he is still regarded as one of the top keepers in the Premier League.

With only a year left on his contract, if the Gunners are not going to use him more, it would be wise to look for potential suitors for the Czech international. As per rumours, Napoli is interested in signing him.

#3 Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)

Courtois is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now and it is only natural that he attracts the attention of the biggest clubs around the world. Ever since his breakout season with Atlético Madrid, he has been a rock between the posts for Atleti, Chelsea, and Belgium over the years.

Throughout his career, he has won La Liga and Copa del Rey with Atlético Madrid and the Premier League (twice) and FA Cup with Chelsea. Since he is only 26, there are hopefully plenty more trophies to come.

Last season, Courtois made 46 appearances, keeping clean sheets in 19 of them, as the Blues finished at 5th position. The team's absence from the Champions League, for the second time in three years, has led to speculation that some players might leave Stamford Bridge.

One of those players rumoured to leave is Courtois himself, who has only a year left on his contract and hasn't looked too eager to extend.

With new contract talks in limbo, Real Madrid has reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring his services as they look for competition for Keylor Navas's spot. Liverpool is also said to be interested in the Belgian giant as they desperately look to replace Loris Karius after the Champions League final debacle.

#2 Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid)

Probably the best goalkeeper in the world, Oblak is the crown jewel of a star-studded Atlético Madrid defence. The 25-year-old Slovenian shot-stopper has evolved under Atlético coach Diego Simeone and that evolution has seen him emerge as one of the most valuable goalkeepers in the market. He has been a major determinant in Los Rojiblancos' successes in Spain and Europe in the past few seasons.

Last season, he got 29 clean sheets in 49 matches, conceding a miserly total of 28 goals. His heroics between the posts played a big part for Atlético as they won the Europa League, beating Marseille 3-0 in the final with the elegant goalie getting another clean sheet.

After Oblak hinted at his uncertain future, Liverpool has surfaced as the frontrunners for his signature. However, it is understood that the Reds will have to reach deep into their pockets to test the resolve of Simeone, who is expected to try his best to hold on to his numero uno.

#1 Alisson Becker (AS Roma)

'Alisson' is a name that has become popular in the transfer columns recently and there is a good reason for it. The impact the 25-year-old Brazilian has made in one season as Roma's number one is no secret. Thanks to his performances for club and country, a host of European giants are looking to prise him out of the Italian capital.

For AS Roma, Alisson played 47 games and kept the ball out in 22 games last season. His stellar contribution to the team led to Roma reaching the last four of the Champions League, a remarkable feat which they achieved by ousting FC Barcelona in the quarter-final in the most dramatic fashion.

The race for the Roma goalie's signature is another tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Liverpool, both of which are determined to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2018-19 season. If either of these teams is to secure this deal, there is no doubt it will make Alisson the most expensive goalkeeper ever as a fee of €90m has been quoted for him.

Edited by Omene Osuya