Five stars destined for a Premier League switch

Matthew Hill
LiveScore
Jamal Musiala could be set for a return to English football
Jamal Musiala could be set for a return to English football

Premier League clubs have eyes everywhere when it comes to identifying potential new recruits.

With less than three months until the summer transfer window opens, we profile five stars from across Europe strongly linked with a move to England this summer.

Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

Despite being a staple of Bayern Munich's midfield, Jamal Musiala's future is up in the air.

The 21-year-old German, who cut his teeth in the academies of Southampton and Chelsea, represented England Under-21s before opting to play for his birth nation.

And though Bayern are desperate to keep one of world football's brightest talents, their hand could soon be forced according to recent reports.

Musiala is supposedly stalling on signing a contract extension at the Allianz Arena after a sub-par campaign which has cost outgoing boss Thomas Tuchel his job.

That news has put his former club Chelsea on red alert, alongside Liverpool and Manchester City.

Alvaro Valles (Las Palmas)

Top-class goalkeepers are always in demand and the exploits of Las Palmas stopper Alvaro Valles have not gone unnoticed.

Released by Real Betis as a youngster, 26-year-old Valles joined his current employers' reserve team in 2018 and has slowly grafted his way through the ranks.

He has played every LaLiga minute this term, conceding just 32 goals in 29 outings — the fourth-lowest total in the division.

Both Arsenal and Aston Villa have had scouts watching the Spaniard, who will assess his future once the current campaign concludes.

With Barcelona also sniffing, however, interested parties must move quickly.

Alvaro Valles is being tracked by Aston Villa and Arsenal
Alvaro Valles is being tracked by Aston Villa and Arsenal

Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice)

In France, Nice are on course for continental qualification thanks largely to possessing Ligue 1's joint-meanest defence this term.

The star of that formidable backline is 24-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo, who is being strongly touted for a summer switch to Manchester United.

Les Bleus international Todibo joined Barca as a teenager but failed to fire in Catalonia, though now looks every inch an elite centre-back.

New Red Devils co-owner Jim Ratcliffe also has a controlling stake in the French club, which logically would help facilitate a deal.

However, fresh reports suggest senior figures at Nice will rebuff any enquiries for their talisman — hinting a saga may be on the cards.

Ederson (Atalanta)

Atalanta star Ederson is wanted by Tottenham and Newcastle
Atalanta star Ederson is wanted by Tottenham and Newcastle

Per reports in Italy, Tottenham and Newcastle are preparing to battle it out for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The 24-year-old Brazilian ranks second among central midfielders in Serie A this term for completed tackles (69) and sixth overall for interceptions (33).

Tackling is not his only asset though, as showcased by five league goals and a tidy set of passing statistics.

Bidding is set to start at £30million and Spurs are in the driving seat due to their likely qualification for continental football.

Yet it would be unwise to rule out the wealthy Magpies, who are plotting a busy summer of incomings on Tyneside.

Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)

Many Eredivisie stars have made Premier League moves over the years with mixed success.

The next to take the leap from the Dutch top tier could well be Santiago Gimenez, who has been prolific for Feyenoord this term.

With 24 goals in 35 games across all competitions, it is no surprise to see the Mexico international linked with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham.

The Hammers pondered a move in January but nothing materialized, though their interest is said to remain strong.

What could put them off is a hefty asking price, though — said to be north of £50m.

Tags

Premier LeagueJamal MusialaBayern MunichLas PalmasNiceAtalantaFeyenoord