With the summer market now edging closer, we break down the latest transfer chatter doing the rounds - and whether those crazy deals actually have a chance of landing...
David de Gea – Manchester United
Clubs interested: Real Madrid
You know those rumours that come around every year, and never seem to let up until something happens? David de Gea signing with Madrid is one of those rumours.
Real Madrid have been relentless in their pursuit of de Gea, with rumours of hefty transfer prices or trade deals being thrown around for the last few years. A transfer was almost completed in the 2015-16 season, but collapsed due to Madrid being unable to submit the paperwork before the Spanish transfer window deadline. Seems a bit slack from a club of Madrid's stature if you ask me.
Don Balonsuggests that de Gea wants to return to Spain, and will force through a transfer if he doesn't get his way. The only sticking point is United's asking price, as Real president Florentino Perez is slightly concerned the price will be too high.
De Gea has had yet another outstanding season, being selected in the PFA Team of the Year for the 5th time, earning a place in the FA Cup final, and finishing 2nd place in the Premier League. It's no wonder Madrid want his services, but the cost will be what stops this deal going through.
Likelihood: If the price is right
Dani Ceballos - Real Madrid
Clubs interested: Liverpool FC, Juventus
Yet another Madrid player on the potential list of outers is Dani Ceballos. It's unlikely that the Spanish Under-21 star will be able to get game time in what is expected to be a revamped squad for Madrid next season, and a move away is on the cards.
Liverpool and Juventus are both touted as possible destinations, and both clubs are renowned for what they can do with young players that have lots of potential. In recent seasons we've seen players like Paulo Dybala, Paul Pogba, Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and countless others come through the ranks (via Southampton for Liverpool, of course).
Word from The Mirror is that Liverpool are prepared to buy the youngster outright for €40 million, which isn't a bad deal. Juventus seem a little unwilling to match that price, which leaves Liverpool the lone horse in this race for Ceballos.
Jurgen Klopp and his rotation policy could be the winning factor here, as it will allow Ceballos to continue his development while under the tutelage of one of the best coaches for younger players. After signing Firmino to a long term deal earlier this week, securing Ceballos signature would be another feather in Klopp's Kop cap.
Likelihood: It's just a matter of time now
Clubs interested: Arsenal
After Arsene Wenger's incredible revelation that he would no longer continue as Arsenal manager, it wasn't going to take long for Arsenal rumours and whispers to heat up. Sure enough, it's as hot as blazes out there as we try to narrow down who will take over one of the most stacked squads on paper.
The Daily Mailreveals that Luis Enrique, formerly of Barcelona, is the early front runner to land the Gunners job. The saying "it's who you know, not what you know" applies even to professional football managers.
Enrique was spotted dining in London with Raul Sanllehi, Arsenal's director of football relations. The two first formed a relationship at Barcelona, and it appears that will pay off for all if Luis Enrique can steer the Gunners to success.
Enrique has been on a sabbatical from football since leaving Barcelona in June of last year. He is readily available and knows what it takes to win silverware. Could this be the winning combination that Arsenal needs to vault themselves into top 4 contention again?
Likelihood: It's still very early, but Enrique is in a good spot to take over
Clubs interested: Real Madrid
Eden Hazard is one of a few players in a finely balanced love triangle between a few clubs. Madrid have been the heavy favourites for the last few months, but negotiations have been slow due to Chelsea trying to retain their star midfielder.
El Chiringuito TV claims that Chelsea have had enough with stalled contract talks and are finally willing to put Hazard up for sale, but not without a fight. Reports are that Chelsea will allow Hazard to move to Madrid provided they receive Gareth Bale in a straight swap similar to the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan swap in January.
The kicker here is that Chelsea will reportedly demand a cash component to the swap, valuing Hazard much higher than Bale. The ball is firmly in Madrid's court, and this deal hinges on whether Florentino Perez is that keen to be chasing Hazard. A creative midfielder for a winger seems like a decent deal for Real, as wingers are a little easier to come by than playmakers at that level.
The end of the season is close by and the World Cup is on the horizon. His form in both could be a deciding factor and whether he can wow Perez enough to warrant a huge move from London.
Likelihood: All it takes is one domino to make the rest fall
Clubs interested: Paris Saint-Germain
Arsene is unsure of his future for the time being. I mean, I would be too if I'm leaving the club I've managed for the last 22 years. It's not going to be easy but Wenger seems a wise man and knows he will decide his future in due time.
This hasn't stopped PSG from making a rather bold approach for the Frenchman. The Mirror says that the French giants are prepared for Wenger to take over as club president.
Reports are that former Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel will replace Unai Emery (an Arsenal target, hilariously) as first team manager.
This will allow Wenger's highly valued input at the club on a higher scale, but with different pressure to that of a first team manager.
For now, his focus will be on finishing as strongly as possible with the Gunners, and getting some much-needed R&R during off season. That's rest and relaxation, no word on the other R word of retirement just yet.
Could the allure of a return to France with a high profile job be enough? Or will he take a solid break from football before deciding his next move?
Likelihood: Only time will tell
