Let’s dream for a bit. Arsenal have already signed Alexandre Lacazette, but reports suggest that Arsene Wenger remains interested in both Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar of Monaco. Many view this splurge on attacking talent as a sign that Alexis Sanchez is on his way out, but what if the Gunners are targeting these players to support their Chilean superstar? Could they all fit in the same XI - I take a look below.

Midfield

I think if all these players arrived without Alexis leaving then Arsenal would switch back to a 4-3-3 formation. Arsene Wenger has said he will experiment with many different formations in pre season, but that he intends to start the season with three at the back. You do feel though that if Alexis stayed and Mbappe and Lemar arrived, he’d have little option but to try and accommodate all that talent straight into the XI. I can see Xhaka anchoring the midfield as a deep lying playmaker, and then Arsene attempting to play Lemar and Ozil as central midfielders. Lemar has played most of his career as a w

DM - Granit Xhaka

Granit grew into this role as the season went on last time around and I think this season he will cement his place in the starting eleven and continue to improve. At the base of the midfield he can play with the game ahead of him and dictate the tempo.

CM - Thomas Lemar

Lemar has played most of his career as a winger but he does have the attributes to thrive in a central midfield role. He has the stamina and on the ball ability to thrive in a more central role and I have a feeling that Arsene sees him as a potential central player should he sign.

CM - Mesut Ozil

Ozil needs to play deeper in my opinion, as in the number 10 role he often gets frozen out of games, he has played in this deeper role for Germany alongside Toni Kroos and excelled there. Surrounded by the energy of Lemar and the calming presence of Xhaka at the base, I think this midfield trio could work, certainly in games where Arsenal are playing lesser opposition, anyway.

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Premier League football is just over a month away from returning to our screens and sides from England’s top-flight are preparing for the new campaign, as they jet off around the world.

Arsenal took to the skies last night to head to Sydney, where they’ll play their first of four pre-season fixtures in Australia and China on Thursday, selecting a 25-man squad that was full of stars, players with a point to prove and youngsters ready to make an impact.

There’s notable absences from the squad with the likes of Rob Holding, Alexis Sanchez, Shkodran Mustafi and Hector Bellerin earning extended breaks following their involvement in international competitions this summer and that means there’s plenty of places up for grabs.

As usual for a pre-season challenge, Arsene Wenger will rotate his options and try out new things- so we’ve selected an experimental XI that could help the Gunners boast a competitive squad next season.

GK: Emiliano Martinez

Whilst David Ospina made the squad for Arsenal’s pre-season tour, the Colombian stopper continues to be heavily linked with an exit and the Gunners may have Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as their second-choice stopper behind Petr Cech next season.

Arsenal have rotated their ranks between the sticks in recent years, with the Gunners likely to select their second-choice stopper for the Europa League and cup campaigns next season, so experience for Martinez is valuable ahead of those challenges.

Leeds United face another rebuild this summer after losing Garry Monk to Middlesbrough but new manager Thomas Christiannsen is ready to strengthen the Peacocks’ ranks by securing a Premier League defender.

ESPN sources indicate Leeds are pursuing the signature of Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, with the Yorkshire outfit exploring the possibility of a deal either on-loan or on a permanent basis.

The 20-year-old endured a disappointing time on-loan with Wolves in the first-half of last season, before returning in January to feature for Manchester United’s U23 side, but his future in Jose Mourinho’s side remains under speculation.

Despite having three-years to run on his current deal, having penned a new contract last year, Borthwick-Jackson could become the latest Manchester United starlet to fail to break into the side and leave- following in the footsteps of Michael Keane, Paul Pogba and others.

Can a deal be done?

At this stage it’s difficult to speculate what Manchester United’s stance on a deal would be and it’s more likely that a loan deal would be agreed initially, potentially with Leeds being given the opportunity to complete a permanent deal later down the line.

After making his breakthrough under Louis Van Gaal, earning 14 first-team appearances under the Dutchman’s tenure, Borthwick-Jackson struggled to impress Jose Mourinho and now faces further competition for places following the capture of Victor Lindelof from Manchester United.

With 22-year-old Lindelof set to partner 23-year-old Ivorian defender Eric Bailly in the centre of defence, Manchester United’s central-defensive pairing looks secure for the next few years- which may mean Borthwick-Jackson needs to leave.

Arsenal have enjoyed a busy summer so far, bringing in Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette, but their changes have led to uncertain futures for many players already within the squad.

The Gunners current longest-serving player Theo Walcott is one of many who has seen his future thrown into speculation this summer, especially with reports indicating that Arsenal are looking to strengthen their wide options this summer as they pursue Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck to compete with, as well as the next generation of youngsters ready to step-up, 28-year-old Walcott faces a battle to find his place within the squad.

However, The Daily Star indicates Walcott is not prepared to turn his back on a club he’s spent 11 years with, despite suggestions that a move to West Ham could occur for a fee worth around £20m.

Having jetted out to Sydney with the rest of Arsenal’s 25-man squad for a pre-season tour in Australia and China, Walcott has the chance to make an impression ahead of the new season and could secure a spot for himself.

Is it the right move?

Walcott’s 11 years have been surrounded with a general consensus of ‘what might have been’, especially after he remarkably made England’s World Cup squad in 2006 at the age of just 16-years-old; an opportunity he later admitted came too early in his career.

Amidst a wealth of injury problems, Walcott has struggled to find stability at Arsenal but he has made his impression within the squad, although it’s been difficult for him to find the opportunities to consistently star for the Gunners- as he eyes a role as a central striker which hasn’t been regularly forthcoming, whilst not quite putting in the same performances on the wing though.

Next season could well be Walcott’s chance to shine though as a switch to a three-man defence late last term may hand the England international a new lease of life, especially if the Gunners fail to hold onto Alexis Sanchez.

Whilst the signing of Lacazette means central-striking opportunities won’t be forthcoming, he could fill Alexis’ position in the side by moving centrally to play behind Arsenal’s new record-signing and would thrive playing alongside Mesut Ozil.

Will he be a star?

That’s up for debate, as Walcott needs to find his position in the side. If a central opportunity becomes available, then the England ace may finally fulfil his potential. On the flip-side though, he may find himself an outcast unless he somehow converts to a wing-back; which seems increasingly unlikely.

Walcott is certainly more efficient through the middle and he may get his chances this season as Arsenal could rotate heavily due to their involvement in the Europa League, which is significant for Walcott as he could show he’s capable of filling the void left by Ozil or Alexis if either player leaves in the next 12 months.

Competition is rife though as Oxlade-Chamberlain is also eyeing a central position, whereas Aaron Ramsey may feel he can step forward into a more attacking role if the Gunners find the right replacement for him alongside Granit Xhaka.

Newcastle United are preparing for their return to the Premier League and manager Rafael Benitez is prepared to use his relationship with former employers Liverpool to his advantage.

The Magpies, who secured an immediate return to the top-flight after winning the Championship title last season, have already brought in defender Florian Lejuene from Spanish side Eibar and captured Ghanian winger Christian Atsu from Chelsea- but their business is far from done.

The Sun, quoting The Times, states the next man on Benitez’ short-list this summer is Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo as Jurgen Klopp is ready to approve a temporary exit for the 20-year-old, as long as he secures regular playing opportunities.

Recently relegated outfit Middlesbrough are also keen on bringing Ojo to the North East, as new manager Garry Monk eyes an immediate return to the top-flight, but handing the England U20 World Cup winner Premier League opportunities may be preferable.

Fierce competition out-wide at Anfield, which has been strengthened further by the addition of Mohamed Salah from Roma, means that Ojo is unlikely to get the opportunities he deserves on Merseyside this season and Newcastle could be the perfect development path.

Can he be a hit?

After impressing with England’s U20 side this summer, being part of the Three Lions squad that secured the first World Cup trophy for England at any level since 1966, Ojo is one of many members of that side hoping to make an impact in senior football this year.

Ojo’s only two senior opportunities at Liverpool last season both came in the FA Cup against Plymouth but he’s capable of providing an impact at senior level, although Newcastle may struggle to hand him the regular football that Liverpool are demanding.

Having seen Tammy Abraham excel on-loan in the Championship last season, Liverpool may feel a loan to Middlesbrough is more beneficial as the pressure would be significantly less than fending-off relegation with Newcastle but the opportunity of Premier League football would be difficult to turn down.

Tottenham Hotspur have been relatively quiet in the transfer window thus far, with no major deals taking place in the white half of North London- whilst their Premier League rivals conclude big business.

Following two fantastic campaigns, there’s a general consensus that Tottenham don’t need to improve their ranks too much and success will come with further experience. However, that’s a dangerous strategy to adopt and Mauricio Pochettino is well aware that new recruits will be needed.

The Daily Mirror states the Lilywhites are pursuing the services of Estudiantes defender Juan Foyth, who could be available for just £10m this summer- handing Spurs a signing that could become a star over the course of the coming years.

Tottenham are already excelling in central-defence, with Belgian duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld leading the line, but further additions may be necessary- especially as Austrian defender Kevin Wimmer is relatively unfavoured and has been linked with a move of his own.

Rather crucially, 19-year-old Foyth, who’s managed by former Manchester United man Juan Sebastian Veron, is keen on a move to Europe.

What’s been said?

Quoted by The Mirror, the teenager stated he’s keen to make the next step in his career and is not prepared to move to Russia.

“I would like to play in Europe, and if something comes up that convinces me and the club I will go.”

“My agent never told me that an offer had arrived from Zenit. I would not go to Russia right now. If I do go it is not because I want to, but rather to help the club out economically.”

Who else is keen?

As well as the aforementioned Zenit St. Petersburg, who seemingly have no chance of completing a move, Foyth has also been linked with Roma, potentially as a replacement for highly-rated defender Kostas Manolas, but he could also reject the advances of the Italian side.

Linking-up with compatriot Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham could be a very wise career move, especially as the former Southampton boss has established a reputation as a manager who’s prepared to give young players an opening in the first-team.

Huddersfield proved to be the surprise package of the Championship last season, stunning the football world by winning promotion to the Premier League.

David Wagner stabilised the club after replacing Chris Powell in 2015, before leading them on their surge to the top flight in his first full season in charge.

The Terriers will now compete in the highest level of English football for the first time since the 1971-72 campaign and will be determined to avoid an immediate drop back into the second tier.

Huddersfield have been extremely active in the transfer market thus far, with Wagner and the club’s chairman Dean Hoyle making their intentions known to the Premier League.

As a result, backing the Terriers in the latest Premier League betting odds at 9/2 to be top newcomer into the league is intriguing - given that both Newcastle and Brighton have been quiet in their business.

The Yorkshire-based outfit made a priority to purchase players from Germany last season, signing Chris Lowe, Michael Hefele, Elias Kachunga, Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Christopher Schindler.

The club also made savvy use of the loan market to sign Isaiah Brown and Kasey Palmer from Chelsea, along with Aaron Mooy from Manchester City.

All of their signings proved to be crucial in their drive to promotion through the playoffs, with Schindler netting the winning spot-kick in their penalty shootout win over Reading at Wembley.

The Terriers have retained the services of Mooy, signing him on a permanent deal from City, while Kachunga also completed a move from Ingolstadt.

Huddersfield broke their transfer record to sign Mooy, but then broke it again twice over the course of a week. Tom Ince was bought for £10 million from Derby and Wagner’s men followed it up with a move for Montpellier forward Steve Mounie for £11.4 million.

In total, the Yorkshire-based outfit have spent over £40 million in the transfer market and are not finished yet. In comparison, Newcastle have made only two additions, while Brighton have made three, with just a month left before the season gets underway.

Given the impact Huddersfield’s signings had last season, Wagner will be pining his hopes that his new arrivals can hit the ground running in the top flight.

Mooy looked a class apart in the Championship last season and is a regular for Australia at international level, so he should have no problem adapting to the top flight as his side’s lynchpin in the middle of the park.

Mounie scored goals in Ligue 1, notching 14 last season, but as proven in the past the transition from France to the Premier League is not a simple one. Question marks also persist over Ince’s ability in the top flight after failed stints with Hull City and Crystal Palace.

However, Wagner has displayed an ability to get the best out of his players, guiding them from 19th in the 2015-16 campaign to the Premier League. Therefore it would be no surprise to see the Terriers remain in the top flight and better the performances of their promoted counterparts.

Crystal Palace are one of many Premier League side’s undergoing a major transition this summer and Dutch boss Frank De Boer is eager to make his mark with the Eagles, as he seeks the signature of an England U21 ace.

The Telegraph states the South London side are closing in on the signature of Chelsea midfielder Rubens Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan deal, which would see the England U21 regular become De Boer’s first signing at Selhurst Park.

The 21-year-old has been a rare prodigy at Chelsea, standing as one of few young players who have remained in West London rather than going on-loan elsewhere but the opportunities having been forthcoming regularly for Loftus-Cheek.

Since making his debut in 2014, Loftus-Cheek has earned 22 Premier League appearances which, remarkably, is just five more than he’s made for England at U21 level- a stat which proves he’s been crying out for a loan move for a while.

What can Loftus-Cheek provide?

With Chelsea rebuffing the opportunity of sending Loftus-Cheek on-loan previously, it’s clear the Blues value the England ace highly and believe he can be a useful asset. However, he’s unlikely to make a breakthrough fully until he impresses elsewhere.

First-team football at Crystal Palace could bring the best out of Loftus-Cheek, helping Crystal Palace in their strive for improvements on the field and providing a deal that could be great for all parties- as Loftus-Cheek would get the opportunities he needs, the Eagles would get a solid addition and Chelsea would see a young asset develop in the Premier League.

His experience at U21 level for England should leave him ready to make a lasting impression in the Premier League and he could become a crucial asset for the Eagles next season, providing he settles into the challenges he’ll face swiftly.

Reports in Portugal suggest that Arsenal are preparing a £90m bid for Sporting Lisbon pair William Carvalho and Gelson Martins as Arsene Wenger looks to continue his no-nonsense summer spending.

Arsenal completed their first major signing of the summer transfer window, bringing Alexandre Lacazette to the Emirates Stadium in a club record deal that could be worth up to £52m, and it appears that Arsene Wenger is not finished yet as he targets two more new additions to the Arsenal squad as he prepares to push for a spot back in the Champions League next season.

Portuguese outlet A Bola, reported via The Sun, claimed a couple of days ago that Arsene Wenger was readying a £70m bid for the Carvalho and Martins, but is now prepared to offer up to £90m for the Sporting Lisbon pair after seeing his latest offer knocked back.

William Carvalho made 32 appearances for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese league last season, netting twice and providing three assists in that time. The 25-year-old primarily plays in defensive midfield, and area that Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen on improving ahead of the new season. Check out the price boosts at Enhanced Bets for the latest odds on everything including transfers.

Granit Xhaka failed to hit the ground running in the Premier League last season, failed to win the midfield battles that he was expected to win and the fire in his belly was not always used to brilliant effect, being sent for an early bath twice in the league last term for a couple of silly challenges.

Santi Cazorla has been struggling with injury, Xhaka has been struggling with form, Coquelin has not been a shining star to say the least, and the middle of the park is clearly an area that Arsene Wenger needs to look at strengthening, and the signing of Carvalho would be a step in the right direction.

The other player that Arsene Wenger is reportedly targeting from Sporting Lisbon is Gelson Martins. The Portuguese winger also appeared 32 times last season for Sporting Lisbon, and managed 6 goals and 14 assists, helping Sporting to a 3rd placed finish.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might be making a move over the summer, and Martins can replace the England international on the right-wing as well as provide competition for Theo Walcott.

Arsenal fans will be pleased by Arsene Wenger’s no nonsense approach so far this summer which contrasts greatly with previous transfer windows. Maybe missing out on the top four was the wake-up call that Wenger needed, can they make the top four next season, or maybe even challenge for the Premier League title?

Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing the signing of Aleksander Golovin, beating London rivals Chelsea to the Russian’s signature, shortly after completing a record-breaking deal that sees Alexandre Lacazette move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season.

The news that the deal is close comes from scout Sandor Varga, who received a call from Arsene Wenger to see if he could go and watch Golovin play for Russia in a game against Mexico. The Arsenal boss could not be present himself, but had received positive feedback on numerous occasions from his other scouts. Varga had this to say on the subject of Golovin’s potential move to Arsenal, and the full comments can be found here.

“Arsene Wenger called me, asked me to watch Golovin again. He was going to come but his scout in Russia sent him 6-8 positive reports, so he asked me to watch him instead. Golovin has an interest for Arsenal, money is not a problem. I think Wenger will pay £10m - £15m for him.”

The positive reports that Wenger has received can only add substance to the fact that a deal could be close. If it is to go through, it would be Arsenal’s second signing in a matter of days after Alexandre Lacazette made the switch to North London in a deal that could be worth up to £52m.

The Russian made thirty appearances for CSKA Moscow last season, and despite playing over half of his games in an attacking midfield position, Golovin managed just three goals and four assists. If he is to be a success in the Premier League, his goal and assists return must improve. However, at just 21-years of age, there would seem to be plenty of potential to improve.

Golovin seems to be a versatile player. The 21-year-old can play anywhere in the midfield from defensive midfield to attacking midfield, and has also made a few appearances out on the left-wing for CSKA Moscow.

The potential signing would bring Arsenal’s total summer spend up to over £60m, with other deals potentially in the pipeline with rumours of Riyad Mahrez and Thomas Lemar moving to Arsenal over the next couple of months. Unlike previous transfer windows, Wenger does not appear to be messing around as he looks to mount a Premier League title challenge next season.

Chelsea on the other hand will be disappointed that they look like they will miss out on their latest target and are yet to make their first high profile signing of the summer transfer window. With rumours flying around that Nemanja Matic could switch Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford this summer, Chelsea could have done with reinforcements in the defensive midfield, with Golovin would have brought.

The Premier League’s big spenders are set to do it all again this summer to bring some of the finest players to English football and strengthen their sides for the forthcoming campaign.

English football’s rise of TV revenue has lead to Premier League side’s paying a premium price on the transfer market and inflation over recent years has seen players cost more and more, with transfer records being set regularly.

Paul Pogba became the world’s first €100m player last year when he sealed a move from Juventus to Manchester United but his record is likely to be broken in the coming months, with audacious fees being mentioned- some in excess of £120m.

With the likelihood that records will be smashed this summer, we’ve identified ten players who could become the most expensive players in the history of world football in the coming months if they secure a lucrative move- and it features a number of Premier League targets.

Kylian Mbappe (Monaco)

The hottest name in world football right now, teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a host of Europe’s top-sides this summer, including Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but Monaco are determined to keep hold of his services.

Mbappe’s ability and the fact Monaco don’t want to sell means his price-tag will be driven higher and higher, with reports already indicating a deal could cost in excess of £120m- a sensational figure for this year’s breakthrough star.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are both seeking additions this summer to bolster their squads for the Champions League next season and the two Premier League sides are reportedly tracking the same man.

The Daily Star state Liverpool have been monitoring German U21 starlet Max Meyer during the U21 European Championships this month, whilst Tottenham have long been credited with an interest in the Schalke starlet.

Already a full German international, Meyer’s price-tag is said to have dropped below the £20m mark as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with Schalke- presenting the opportunity for both Premier League sides to secure a bargain.

An offer of regular first-team football to Meyer will be crucial to any negotiations, as he’ll be desperate to seal a spot in Joachim Lowe’s World Cup squad this summer, but Schalke are standing firm despite their difficult position.

What’s the situation?

Revealed by DW Sports on Twitter, Schalke are set to keep Meyer at the club for the forthcoming season despite the fact that the 21-year-old confirmed earlier this month he had decided not to renew with his German employers.

The Bundesliga side have faced a difficult few seasons, which included losing their former young star Julian Draxler to Wolfsburg, and it appears the club are set to be resilient this summer. However, it does mean Meyer could be available on a free transfer.

Should Meyer decide to try and force an exit after the U21 European Championships, where Germany face England in tomorrow’s semi-final, a deal bringing him to the Premier League could go ahead- but there’s likely to be interest from elsewhere in Europe.

Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the few months since the Premier League campaign drew to a close but it appears Antonio Conte is ready to make big waves on the market in the coming weeks.

The majority of transfer reports regarding the Blues so far this month have orientated around potential departures, with Nemanja Matic said to be closing in on a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United whilst Diego Costa has been informed he’s surplus to requirements.

That leaves Chelsea under pressure to bolster their ranks, as Conte’s side lacks significant depth and will be tested by a return to Champions League football next season- but the Italian is ready to spend big and improve his side.

The Daily Express reports Conte is eyeing quality over quantity and is ready to splash an incredible £240m in the transfer market over the course of the next few months, with numerous deals likely to surpass the club-record £50m Chelsea paid Liverpool for Fernando Torres.

Additions are set to be made from front to back, leaving Chelsea with a phenomenal side that’s certainly capable of defending their Premier League crown next season.

Who’s being targeted?

The reports state that Alex Sandro is closing in on a £61m transfer from Juventus, adding depth to Chelsea’s defensive ranks, whilst Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is set to join the Brazilian at Stamford Bridge.

Those stellar additions would slot straight into the first-team and another defensive signing is being eyed in the form of Virgil Van Dijk, who is another player likely to surpass Chelsea’s current transfer record if a deal goes ahead.

Conte’s final target is Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, with a £70m deal said to be on the table, but the Toffees could demand a further £10m to see a deal go ahead- which would put the Belgian up there with the most expensive players in the history of world football.

How would Chelsea line-up?

These four huge additions would likely come straight into Chelsea’s starting XI, leading to a number of changes from the side that stormed to Premier League success last season- with the most notable additions coming at the back.

Signing Sandro would likely replace Marcos Alonso on the left-side, with Van Dijk’s addition in the centre allowing Cesar Azpilicueta the opportunity to return to his more natural position on the right-side of defence.

Bakayoko would join N’Golo Kante in the centre of midfield, handing the two-time Premier League champion the midfield partner he lacked in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, whilst Lukaku would replace Diego Costa up-front.

The Premier League has become the home of the most expensive transfer additions in recent years, with billions being splashed out to bring the finest talents to English football.

Despite this, English sides have failed to kick-on in their quest to conquer European football and have fallen behind the likes of Spain, Italy, Germany and even France in the race for the Champions League trophy.

The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City will be looking to change that next season though when they return to European action and the Premier League will boast five clubs in Europe’s elite competition, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also in the running.

Spectacular fees are likely to be spent once again this summer, potentially setting world records, but we’ve moved to assemble the most expensive XI in Premier League history so far- in a set-up that’s dominated by both Manchester clubs and Chelsea.

Before we start, it’s worth noting that all fees and records are correct as of 26th June 2017 and all figures were taken from TransferMarkt.

GK: Ederson (£34m)

Signed by Manchester City from Portuguese outfit Benfica this month, the £34m price-tag for Ederson easily surpassed the previous record-figure paid by a Premier League side for a goalkeeper and was narrowly ahead of the £30m fee Everton paid for Jordan Pickford two-weeks later.

The 23-year-old Brazilian is set to become City’s first-choice goalkeeper for the forthcoming campaign after last summer’s acquisition of Claudio Bravo proved to be a failure, as the Chilean failed to live-up to expectation and endured plenty of troubles.

Arsenal appear to be ready to fight with the top clubs to secure the very best talent this summer. With the rumour mill in full flow, we take a look at three players strongly linked with a move to The Emirates this summer.

1 – Kylian Mbappe

Age: 18
Position: Forward
Estimated Cost: £110million

The dream signing, but is it realistic? Mbappe is a player that has attracted interest from all around Europe after his incredible rise to prominence this season has made heads turn. The latest reports suggest that Arsenal have a chance of signing him due to the fact that Arsene Wenger has been extremely instrumental in the process of convincing the player that a move to Arsenal may be the best route forward for his career. Starting the season as a fringe player, Monaco were hesitant at first to start Mbappe this season, but he soon proved his quality and forced his way into the team permanently. In the Champions League, he was particularly impressive, scoring 6 from 6 starts and 3 sub apps. In the league, he netted 15 times and made 8 assists from 17 starts and 12 sub appearances. Any deal for Mbappe will certainly cost in excess of £100million, making him the world’s most expensive player if he did move, and he’s just 18…

Arsenal have successfully established themselves as one of the biggest clubs in world football and the Gunners have enjoyed a wealth of success in the Premier League era.

Winning three domestic crowns since 1992, the last of which came in 2004, Arsenal have also established themselves as the most successful club in FA Cup history- whilst manager Arsene Wenger has lifted more FA Cups than anyone else.

Naturally as a big club, Arsenal have to spend big funds to sign top players but the Gunners have seemed more reluctant to do so than their arch-rivals in the division, until recently of course as Wenger parted with over £100m last summer.

The majority of Arsenal’s most expensive dealings have come in recent years but there’s still a few names from the past that stand-out there as significant deals, so we’ve assembled the most-expensive Arsenal XI in the club’s history.

Before we start, we must mention that this is not just Arsenal’s most expensive 11 signings and is instead a line-up of their most expensive recruits across all positions throughout the years. All figures were collected from TransferMarkt.

GK: Petr Cech (£11.9m)

After a whopping 333 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Petr Cech moved across London in 2015 to become Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper- after Thibaut Courtois’ return to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid pushed the veteran stopper down the pecking order.

Since then, Cech has lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield with Arsenal, making 69 Premier League appearances in total. Now 35, and showing signs of decline, rumours have speculated that Arsenal are in search of a long-term replacement.

Manchester United are set for a wealth of business activity this summer as they look to challenge for the Premier League title next season and compete upon their return to the Champions League.

The Red Devils won the League Cup and Europa League last season but still endured a campaign that didn’t live up to their lofty expectations, with Jose Mourinho’s side finishing sixth in the Premier League- seven points off the top-four.

Activity at Old Trafford this summer is likely to involve both incoming and outgoing deals, with The Daily Mail stating one exit is close as Spanish outfit Real Sociedad have reportedly agreed a £10m deal to sign Adnan Januzaj from the Red Devils.

After excelling in the 2013 campaign under David Moyes’ tenure, Januzaj earned a call-up to the Belgian national side but has seen his career decline vastly since the Scottish boss left Old Trafford and he’s no surplus to requirements.

What’s happened?

Following his starring performances for Manchester United during David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure at the club, many expected Januzaj to become an important figure for the Red Devils- especially after he was handed the number 11 jersey in 2014, formerly worn by United legend Ryan Giggs.

After making 27 Premier League appearances during his breakthrough year in 2013/14, Januzaj made 18 appearances the following season but struggled to replicate the fine form he previously showed. It then became clear there was no way back for the youngster, who moved to Manchester United at the age of just 16.

Five Premier League appearances followed in the 2015/16 season but Januzaj also endured a failed loan stint with Borussia Dortmund, earning just six Bundesliga appearances before having his spell at the club terminated prematurely, and he failed to impress on-loan with relegated Sunderland last season.

Amidst all of Januzaj’s problems, Manchester United brought in the likes of Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whilst Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard are amongst those who have made a claim for regular opportunities ahead of Januzaj.

What does the deal involve?

Significantly for Januzaj, there may be the chance of a redemption in his career as The Daily Mail indicates Manchester United are keen to include a buy-back clause in the deal that would take the young winger to Real Sociedad this summer.

Mourinho rates Januzaj as surplus to requirements but the Red Devils willingness to set-up the option for the Belgian to return shows the club believe he could still become a superstar- and it’s clear they’re learning their lesson from the previous departures of Paul Pogba and Michael Keane.

Incidentally, a £10m deal for Januzaj (€11.39m) would make the Belgian the Spanish side’s third most expensive signing in history, according to TransferMarkt, behind only Asier Illarramendi and Carlos Vela.

Tottenham Hotspur face a challenge this summer to show they’re here to stay at the top-end of the Premier League, which will be difficult as the club has to cope with a campaign playing their home games at Wembley Stadium.

Spurs’ talented young side has excelled in recent seasons but there are some questions remaining around Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, notably regarding how long the Lilywhites can keep their starring squad intact and away from the clutches from top-sides across Europe.

Some high-profile exits could occur this summer, with Kyle Walker consistently linked with a move to Manchester City, but Pochettino seems intent on securing impressive signings to bolster his side for the forthcoming season.

The Sun states the Argentine boss is set to revive interest in Schalke starlet Max Meyer, following an approach last summer that saw the German side demand £39m for the midfielder, but the 21-year-old is set to be available for around half-price during this summer window.

Currently on duty with Germany’s U21 side at the European Championships, Meyer’s future is likely to be resolved after his nation’s involvement in Poland ends- but it seems increasingly likely that Meyer will move away from Schalke.

What’s the deal?

Reportedly available for just £17.5m this summer, less than half of Schalke’s asking price a year ago, Spurs could benefit from a bargain deal due to the fact that Meyer has rebuffed the Bundesliga side’s offers of a new contract.

Meyer will be keen to assert himself ahead of the World Cup next summer, as he seeks to force his way into Joachim Lowe’s plans, and Schalke’s tenth-placed finish in the Bundesliga last season means he will have no European football next season.

Therefore a move to the Premier League, with Tottenham able to provide Champions League involvement, will appeal to Meyer but the 21-year-old has previously suggested he could remain in his current surroundings and leave on a free transfer next summer.

What’s been said?

Quoted by The Sun, Meyer previously said:

“I have not said I will leave Schalke, simply that I won’t extend my contract. I know there was interest in me last summer but the club immediately put a stop to it so the matter was settled.”

“There is still hope things will be better for me at the club. We will have to see what happens.”

Schalke would prefer to sell this summer and receive cash for his services rather than lose their talented asset on a free transfer in 12 months time though, which has left Spurs confident a deal can be struck over the course of the coming months.

Liverpool secured their first major signing of the summer yesterday with the acquisition of Mohamed Salah from Roma, arriving for a deal reportedly worth around £34m.

The former Chelsea man has excelled following his move to the Serie A, after struggling to make an impact with the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and adds class to Liverpool’s wide options next season- which is crucial ahead of the Reds’ return to the Champions League.

Boasting an impressive 15 goals and 11 assists in 31 Serie A appearances last season, figures that are both more than any Liverpool players managed last season, Salah is a sensational coup for Jurgen Klopp’s side that could lead the Reds towards glory.

Anfield is sure to be rocking upon the club’s return to Champions League action and Salah could help the Reds enjoy a season to remember, as he slots into the club’s line-up next season comfortably- and he’s unlikely to be the final recruit for the Reds this summer.

Here, we’ve taken a look at how Liverpool could line-up next season with Salah in their ranks- and we’ve included some new faces who could follow the Egyptian ace to Anfield.

GK: Simon Mignolet

Liverpool’s capture of Loris Karius from Mainz last summer was supposed to bring the end of Simon Mignolet between the sticks for the Reds but the German’s inability to settle into the rigours of the Premier League meant Jurgen Klopp opted to hand Mignolet his spot again.

The Belgian stopper impressed last season with some fine performances but still seems a way off being the sort of goalkeeper that can lead Liverpool to success, which means he’ll remain under pressure next season- particularly in the Champions League.

Chelsea will be desperate to make some additions to their squad over the summer, with the club looking to build on their title win last season with an assault on Europe.

GK – Thibaut Courtois

There’s been reported interest from both Madrid clubs, but Chelsea will want to ensure they keep hold of Courtois who is one of the best keepers in Europe. He is a world class player that needs

After both winning their opening group games, Chile will face Germany in a Confederations Cup clash, with the winner of the game almost certain to top the group and head into the knockout stages.

With Germany naming a weakened squad for the competition, Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi has been put at the heart of the countries defence and on Thursday night he will have to battle with Alexis Sanchez in a duel that will surely have a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

Alexis was a substitute in Chile’s first game against Cameroon but he came off the bench to set up both of his teams goals in a 2-0 victory. This highlighted his importance to the Chile attack and the manager will more than likely opt to start with the Arsenal man for this big game.

Mustafi and Germany made hard work of overcoming Australia in what ended as a 3-2 win for the World Champions.

On paper it looks like it will be a close game and the odds reflect that - Chile vs. Germany betting odds.

Whilst you’d back a full strength Germany to win the game, they do have a somewhat second-string side at the tournament, on the contrary, Chile have brought their star players including Alexis and Arturo Vidal.

For me, I think Alexis will prove to be the difference in the game, and considering it will be a fixture that will be watched worldwide, he will be keen to show the world what he can do, with his contract situation currently up in the air.

With the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG and possibly Juventus reportedly interested in signing the Chilean, could a top performance in this game see one of those clubs stump up the amount of money needed to see him leave Arsenal?

Another player that is worth looking out for in this fixture, is Germany’s Leon Goretzka. The young midfielder is attracting interest from several top European clubs and even Arsenal have been mooted as a potential destination. He scored in the opening game of the tournament but his ability to control the midfield is what he is known best for. He is quite a physical player for his age and that is arguably something that Arsenal need to add to their midfield.

There’s no doubt that there will be some scouts in the crowd for this fixture, watching Goretzka amongst others. There is plenty of talent on show and with all the big clubs in Europe looking to improve this summer, expect to see some players playing for moves and new contracts.

Many people believe that you can only be considered a true gamer if you have a dedicated console and play all the time. However, this is not always the case in the real world. There are plenty of games that you can play without needing a special console.

Here, we share with you a guide that allows you to learn how to become an expert gamer without ever needing a console or an especially powerful personal computer.

Understand Your Preference

We all have one or two games that we really prefer. You may be surprised to learn that most of us do not know about our own preferences. You need to learn about your personal preference by playing a few games first when you are free.

Some top casino games that many people enjoy include poker and blackjack. The amazing thing about these games is that they do not require you to use a console. You can go to a casino to play these games. However, if you like to stay at home, then there are several online casinos that allow you to play a game of poker from your mobile.

Understand Your Joy

Playing board and card games is fun and you can always enjoy playing against computer opponents. However, if you want to be a gamer, you need to compete against real opponents. The games that we have mentioned above are really fun to play with your friends, but they give you real joy when you take on the best players.

Online casinos and other gaming websites allow you to enjoy the benefits of competing against the real world. Not only does this give you the required satisfaction, it may also return monetary benefits as well. You don’t need to spend all your money though, and can easily enjoy playing at a lower value table if you want.

Stay Within Budget

A gamer understands when to back out and when to play aggressively. You need to be similarly selective with your budget. The right way to go about playing online games is to create a budget according to your income and then stick to it regardless of success or failure as a gamer. This means that you should understand the money that you are willing to lose in exchange for the experience.

On the other hand, even if you are successful, sticking to a budget will ensure that you do not lose everything that you gained with hard work and some good luck. Your budget should be in a comfortable range. Many people like to initially go aggressive and then start to second guess themselves while playing a game, which decreases their intensity level and clouds their judgment.

Remember, the ideal budget for playing games is the amount that you are willing to lose in case of a problem. There are times when you win over your budget and want to be slightly adventurous. However, the best way of gaming remains to stick to your budget, unless you want to go pro and really increase the bets.

Become an Expert

Although we believe that you need to stay within a budget, it is essential that you move to the upper echelons of gaming with time. You cannot remain a scrub if you want to become a gamer, and the best way to go about it will be to play at a higher level with higher stakes. If you cannot increase your budget gradually, then you can reduce your playing time.

Playing at a higher level at top gaming websites will ensure that you develop your skills and understand that you can excel in different card games. You can only hope to get better if you initially selected the right game to begin with. If you find yourself stuck in a game at a lower level, then it is time to move on to a next game. You may find a lot more success in that, if your initial selection was a mistake.

They say that practice makes perfect. The only way to improve as a gamer is to spend more time in playing and practicing your game. There are many card simulation games in which you can practice several playing strategies and techniques.

Arsenal look set for a summer of mass change. Wenger has led Arsenal to a 5th placed finish this season, the first time in his tenure that the club have finished outside of the top four. With their title rivals spending big around them, the Gunners have no choice but to join in with the spending, or they may be left behind. The rumour mill is in full flow and Arsenal have already been linked with a move for several players in this window - in this article, I take a look at a possible lineup for Arsenal next season.

GK - Petr Cech

Cech has had an up and down season, but he finished the season strong and I believe he has re-affirmed his position as number one at Arsenal. Szczesny and Ospina are both set to be sold, so Wenger could be set to bring a new young keeper in, but for the time being at least, I think Cech will keep his place next season.

Arsenal enter tomorrow’s FA Cup final in a bit of a mess, as it’s not clear what Gunners side we’re set to witness at the start of next season.

Whilst it’s more than likely Arsene Wenger will extend his contract, the general consensus from the fans is that it’s not what they want and the wealth of uncertainty hovers above North London this summer- with Wenger, key players and the board potentially set for exits.

The Gunners endured a sub-par Premier League campaign, finishing outside of the top-four for the first time in over two decades, and were on the receiving end of a drubbing from Bayern Munich in the Champions League- losing 10-2 on aggregate.

Tomorrow’s FA Cup final won’t heal those wounds but winning the trophy is a crucial step for Arsenal’s rejuvenation, whereas defeat could make their difficult task this summer all the more daunting.

Should Arsenal win tomorrow, they can consider the campaign as partly successful and the fact they’re winning honours will help them keep the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at the club, as well as helping lure big-names in from elsewhere.

If they were to lose, as many expect, then it could be the final straw for players like Alexis and Ozil, as well as giving the Gunners a battle in their quest to lure potential targets to the Emirates Stadium. Crucially though, it would set-up a poisonous atmosphere around North London.

Failure to win tomorrow would be the latest frustration for Arsenal fans with Arsene Wenger and it would be difficult to spin any sort of positive out of the campaign to justify handing the long-serving Frenchman a fresh deal- so Arsenal are drawing a huge target on their back.

Lift the FA Cup and Wenger maybe, just maybe, be able to save some grace and have some support from the fanbase or, equally, it may allow him to walk away with his head held high after securing yet more success to cap off his fantastic tenure in charge of the Gunners.

Without FA Cup victory and a top-four finish, it would be extremely difficult for Arsenal to justify handing Arsene Wenger a contract extension and the club would be a time bomb, which would be set off at any stage next season when the Gunners endure a blip in form.

Arsenal’s backs are against the walls as they face a huge test to compete with the financial might of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City and, in truth, it’s going to take the Gunners a long time to ever be considered the favourites for Premier League glory once again.

The glory years of Arsenal are a long way gone and any chance of salvaging a decent future in the coming years hangs in the balance ahead of tomorrow’s clash, as the Gunners will find it extremely difficult to keep key players and attract big names without being able to boast a trophy in their locker.

Tottenham Hotspur have excelled in the past two years under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino but many still accuse them of simply benefitting from a purple patch and question their ability to remain at the top.

After two seasons fighting for the Premier League title, but ultimately falling short, Tottenham face a stern test next season to remain competitive as the rest of their title rivals will spend heavily- whilst the Lilywhites also have to contend with playing their home matches at the Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham’s European adventure was torn apart in England’s national stadium this season and the Wembley factor is a big concern for the Lilywhites next season, as is the fact that big clubs could swoop for their prized players this summer.

For Tottenham to remain competitive, they need another solid summer and need to show consistency in the battle to secure another top four finish- which could end the argument as to whether Spurs are here to stay, as it would seal three consecutive seasons in the Champions League.

Failure to do that, however, could lead Spurs’ wonder-squad to be dismantled following the World Cup next summer- so we asked our team what Pochettino’s side need to do this summer to continue fighting at the top.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

Tottenham’s squad is largely consistent of up-and-coming players who’ve made a name for themselves at White Hart Lane and have been poached from arguably smaller sides. To remain at the top, they could probably do with luring a big player from a big club.

Signing a player from a top-four rival is unlikely but Spurs should look abroad and try to lure in a player from the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona, both of whom could be set to sell this summer as they compete major squad overhauls.

Alvaro Morata, Ivan Rakitic, Danilo and James Rodriguez are amongst the names that could be moving on- and each of those would be an excellent addition to Spurs’ squad, although Danilo and Morata would be the more likely options.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Every year the same debate has resurfaced regarding Tottenham and the answer is who knows? Somehow the club manage to find gems in the transfer market and turn them into some of the league’s inform players.

Pace in wide areas is a must for Spurs however, and signing someone to rotate with Harry Kane must be considered. Other than that, realistically who can Tottenham attract that may improve their impressive form?

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

It’s going to be an incredibly difficult 12 months for Tottenham, with Spurs looking forward to playing every home game at Wembley next season, but also have the task of keeping hold of their star players. It is vital for Spurs that they add depth to their squad, as that is almost what has held them back at times this season.

Players like Ross Barkley, Wilfried Zaha and perhaps Michael Keane would really bolster the squad, however the latter does seem incredibly unlikely. Signings like Moussa Sissoko and Georges Kevin N’Koudou haven’t quite worked out, so it’s time to really reinforce their squad and buy strong in the summer.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox_)

Replacing the apparently Manchester City bound Kyle Walker has to be top of the list. Kieran Trippier has enjoyed some great displays this season, but the importance of full-backs in Spurs’ play makes that addition key.

Then it comes to the final third. Georges Kevin-Nkoudou and Moussa Sissoko have suffered from being out of favour and poor form respectively. Heung-min Son, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have had superb seasons, but there are times where the lack of an option or two from the bench has cost Spurs.

Chelsea seem set on improving their attacking lines this summer as Diego Costa continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, whilst Michy Batshuayi has endured a difficult maiden campaign in the Premier League.

With Belgian youngster Batshuayi linked with a loan move away from the Blues, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility for Chelsea to enter next season without both strikers- and that increases the necessity for the Blues to spend in this area.

Of the names to be linked with a move to Chelsea, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku is a player who is consistently mentioned- but there are concerns as to whether the Belgian would be able to excel on his return to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku seems keen on a move, as he feels he has unfinished business at Chelsea, but he may not be the ideal fit- despite boasting an impressive return of 52 goals in 109 Premier League appearances since moving to the Toffees.

It’s a fierce debate as to whether Lukaku would be the right fit at Chelsea, so we asked our team their views- and it’s fair to say the opinion was split.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox_)

If Chelsea had Romelu Lukaku instead of Diego Costa this season they would not have won the league. Costa’s spats with officials and defenders are the street-fighter side of his game, but the former Atleti man has led Chelsea’s line through timely goals, smart movement and constantly occupying opposition defenders.

Costa’s post-rumour form has been indifferent, yet signing Lukaku alone would leave Chelsea’s attacking options looking weaker. Lukaku’s streaky goal scoring would be an issue at Chelsea and the Belgian’s price tag must make Chelsea consider their other options this summer.

He could be a brilliant signing longer-term, but as a direct replacement for Costa for next season it is a risk.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Lukaku’s form this season cannot be understated, however, question marks remain whether he can achieve a similar vein of form at a massive club. Ultimately his career at Stamford Bridge was a flop - the majority of which was through no fault of his own - however, replacing Diego Costa is another story.

The Spaniard has his faults, but it must be remembered he has guided Chelsea to two titles in three years - and one with Atletico Madrid before his move to West London. So to conclude, Lukaku isn’t ready just yet.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

There’s no doubt Romelu Lukaku has excelled at Everton and deserves his chance at a bigger side. However, he does seem a bit short of taking the mantle as a leading player for a Premier League side as his consistency is an issue.

Whilst he usually finishes the season with a decent amount of goals, these usually come in quick flurries of form with two-to-four goals a match amidst large periods of finding the net- and many have accused him of simply performing against the smaller clubs.

There’s certainly some truth to that claim but if there’s anyone who can help Lukaku fill his true potential it’s Antonio Conte, as he’s got the best out of a Chelsea side this season that many considered to be quite weak.

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

All signs are pointing towards a return to Stamford Bridge for Romelu Lukaku, and on paper it seems like the perfect move. With the Belgian coming off of a fantastic season on Merseyside with Everton, he would be the ideal replacement for Diego Costa. His power and finishing is what Conte likes in his team, and with Pedro and Hazard on either side of him, the service into Lukaku would be plentiful.

He has all the traits to make the Blues forget about Costa, who has been a good player for Chelsea, but has always flattered to deceive at times. Costa is a very patchy player and Lukaku would add a certain level of consistency to really take Chelsea to the highest level.

After a turbulent campaign for the Potters, Stoke City have a big summer ahead of them if they are to get back-on-track with their potential.

Stoke City are a team lacking identity and Mark Hughes’ sweeping changes have begun to be reversed, the team are eking into the bottom half of the table for the first time in several seasons and the fan base is split in a way similar to the turmoil at Arsenal.

Hughes was met with scepticism by many upon his appointment after the mess he oversaw at Queen’s Park Rangers. Those who felt Tony Pulis was a club icon deserving of a longer tenure questioned the arrival of the former Manchester United striker, while others were appreciative of a club stuck in the mid-table mud pushing for greater things stylistically.

The Potters discarded players synonymous with the Pulis era in favour of glitzier names. Eventually they were the proud owners of multiple Champions League winners, while retaining the hardened core of the squad lead by Ryan Shawcross, Jon Walters and Glenn Whelan. While Whelan particularly needed replacing, the Potters were a team who could fight you in the car park and dazzle with charm in the form of Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Arnatuovic, Bojan and others.

This came to a head during the first part of the 2015/16 campaign. Operating with a false nine – yes, that’s Stoke City with a false nine – the team was one of the best to watch around Europe. Bojan dropped into pockets of space, goals were easy to come by and the diagonal left footed pings from Shaqiri to Arnautovic were edging towards trademark status. Briefly, in fact, a European finish looked within range as Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United all vastly underachieved.

The January window saw the arrival of Giannelli Imbula for a club record transfer fee. Imbula was started 14 matches in the second half of the campaign and injected something new to the Potters’ midfield. A player once sought after by some European giants was doing it in the chilly early spring months at a windy Britannia.

The summer, however, saw another few months of bizarre transfer activity and the signing of Joe Allen. Allen and Imbula were unlikely to be able to function in a team with Bojan, Shaqiri and Arnatuovic. A problem was rife immediately and Imbula was the first to suffer. The Frenchman has started just nine Premier League games this season and is on course to leave the club, with a move to Roma being touted. He has played seven Premier League minutes since 2016.

A 4-3-3 may have worked had a defensive midfielder been signed to allow Allen and Imbula to play in box-to-box roles behind the magic triumvirate. The arrival of Wilfried Bony – and latterly Saido Berhaino – further muddied the waters and led to the departure of Bojan.

All of this was after the club’s style had regressed towards the making-do days of Pulis. Imbula was clearly deemed surplus despite seldom being given opportunity and a midfield of Allen, Geoff Cameron and Whelan became common. Imbula even vanished from the matchday squad after a while as his fate became clear. The club went from king killers of giants to a team incapable of upsetting the odds in 2016/17; winning when they should and losing when they should.

Imbula’s impending departure is a sign of a club accepting mediocrity at this juncture. The ambition and flair of Hughes’ appointment and 18 months ago are no longer felt amongst the fans or the club. The divide over the manager’s future is a debate for another time – as is their transfer shortcomings – but the Potters must be wary of their current status. This – unlike last season – has been a campaign of slumps outlasting hot streaks, which is a trend that will only edge towards unpleasantly warm waters.

Manchester City endured a transitional season under the guidance of Pep Guardiola this summer and the Catalan boss will complete a major squad overhaul this year.

The Citizens have already confirmed Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero, Jesus Navas and Gael Clichy are on their way out, whilst the likes of Joe Hart, Aaron Mooy and Fabian Delph could follow.

Of the names linked with an exit, the future of Sergio Aguero remains a pressing concern for the majority of Manchester City fans as it would be a bold move from the club and could come back to haunt them.

Gabriel Jesus’ explosive start at Manchester City has left Aguero’s first-team spot under threat and the Citizens look like they may cope without their starring Argentine. However, the second-half of the season has seen speculation that Aguero could leave reduce significantly.

Should a new striker arrive though, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Aguero is moved away from the Etihad Stadium and we asked our team whether they can see the South American leaving and whether Gabriel Jesus is ready to take the mantle as their leading forward.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Aguero leaving was - and still is - a story which gathered momentum by the press because the out-of-form Argentine was dropped by his manager. The striker has been in devastating form since the arrival of Gabriel Jesus and his best years have certainly been rekindled, with the duo playing alongside each other more frequently, a partnership rather than a rivalry is developing between the two and being expertly guided by Pep Guardiola.

Jesus is earmarked as the long-term replacement for Aguero when he does decide to leave in 2019, but needing only 11 goals to become City’s all-time leading scorer, don’t expect Guardiola to call a halt on his six-year City career anytime soon.

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

All signs are pointing towards Sergio Aguero leaving Manchester City in the summer, and with how Pep Guardiola sets his sides up, you can see why. Let’s admit it, Aguero isn’t the player he used to be due to his previous injuries, and Pep requires a high intensity press from his forwards for the majority of games. Maybe Aguero doesn’t have it in him anymore to work in a Pep style of play, but Gabriel Jesus certainly does and he’s being touted as the replacement to Aguero.

Jesus certainly has the potential to be as good as Aguero, but to heap so much pressure on someone so young could be very damaging. The Brazilian would need help from Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane to really do some damage in the Premier League.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox_)

Sergio Aguero will stay. Should he not, however, Gabriel Jesus is a more than able deputy.

The fearsome thing for City’s rivals, though, is the prospect of this dazzling City attack having Aguero and Jesus fully fit for a full season along with Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

Sergio Aguero will certainly see his playing time reduced next season but it’s difficult to envisage him leaving Manchester City this summer. If he does leave before his contract ends in 2019, expect the move to take place after next summer’s World Cup.

Gabriel Jesus is a top-quality player and should shine for many years to come with Manchester City. However, putting so much faith into a youngster just months after his arrival is a dangerous game and he could crack under the pressure if Aguero leaves.

With Jesus and Aguero, City boast two of the best strikers in the league and if Pep Guardiola can mould them into a dynamic partnership, then the rest of the division will be left quaking in their boots.

Liverpool made great progress under Jurgen Klopp this season and the Reds sealed their minimum objective of returning to the Champions League next term.

Klopp’s side narrowly sealed their spot in the top-four, finishing one point ahead of Arsenal, and it’s clear the Merseyside giants need significant summer activity if they are to compete for major honours next season- especially with both Manchester clubs set to spend heavily.

However, Liverpool’s lack of recent history in European football and their financial restrictions when compared to their rivals makes it difficult for the Reds to maintain a top-class side and keep hold of their key players, with question marks surrounding the future of Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian ace has attracted the interest of Barcelona in recent seasons and the Catalan side’s restructure this summer could see them launch a move- which Liverpool would find incredibly difficult to fend off.

With speculation surrounding Coutinho, we asked our team what they believed would happen with the Brazilian and what it would take to keep him at Anfield.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox)

Liverpool’s summer is more significant than their rivals’.

The club’s creaky 2017 is a concern and – while Champions League football will return to Anfield – they must finally address long-term recruitment issues. Additions like Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Joel Matip have been splendid, though they now need to replicate that sort of investment throughout the squad to add depth and build a squad capable of holding their own against the might of their top six companions.

Prove they can do remain genuine contenders and Philippe Coutinho will find it much harder to leave the adoring Kop. Equally, clubs are unlikely to move for him just yet as his talent is yet to produce consistently enough.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

The next year is crucial for Liverpool as they need to cement themselves as top-four regulars and genuine contenders for the Premier League title, rather than being consider a side that will dip in-and-out of the top spots in English football.

Securing Champions League football this weekend was vital to keeping Philippe Coutinho and their chances of keeping the Brazilian long-term likely hinge on the next year, as I do believe he will remain at Anfield this summer- but a move after the World Cup in 2018 is a possibility.

To have any chance of keeping Coutinho, Liverpool need to make a statement of intent this summer by securing big names and showing they can compete with their rivals- which means eyeing players that don’t currently represent lower-ranked sides in the Premier League.

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

Philippe Coutinho is the player that Jurgen Klopp should be looking to build his team around in the summer, and he must do everything in his power to keep him at Anfield. If Barcelona come in for the Brazilian, he will find it hard to turn it down because who doesn’t want to play for Barcelona?

That being said, I do think Coutinho will stick around for yet another season. I doubt he would jump ship just went Liverpool are set to return to the Champions League, and Klopp needs to give him the players around him to make it similar to Eden Hazard at Chelsea.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Ultimately, whether Liverpool fans care to admit it or not, the Merseysiders are a selling club and are unable to either keep hold of world-class players, or attract them.

It’s impossible to see how Liverpool can keep Coutinho if Barcelona come calling. Their name/brand is the only thing big about Liverpool these days.

Everton face a testing summer window in the months ahead as Ronald Koeman looks to strengthen his squad and increase the chances of the Toffees breaking into the top-six, all whilst contending with the likely departures of key names.

Romelu Lukaku continues to be linked with a huge move away from Goodison Park in the close season and speculation continues to circle over the head of England ace Ross Barkley, as contract discussions have seemingly hit a brick wall.

Koeman has issued an ultimatum to the 23-year-old and is preparing to sell the influential midfielder if he does not extend his contract, although The Telegraph states he’s demanding a mouth-watering price of £50m for the Tottenham target.

It’s difficult to argue that Barkley is worth that much and it’s set to cause a lot of debate over the summer months, so we asked our team where they expect Barkley to be playing next season and whether he’s worth the monumental price-tag mentioned.

Shane Burns (@MediaShaneBurns)

Tom Scholes (@TomScholes316)

Ross Barkley looks set to leave Everton in the summer and at the moment; the ideal place for him to move would probably be Tottenham. People always say that Barkley just needs someone to guide him and help him find his best form, and at the moment there is no one better at that at a big club than Mauricio Pochettino.

He may not get as many minutes as he is at Everton right now, but the fact of the matter is he wouldn’t at any other top 6 clubs either. With regards to his price tag, there is no way he is worth £50M, but Everton will have to lower it or risk losing him on a free next summer.

Josh Challies (@Challies11)

Ross Barkley may well complete a u-turn and secure his future with the Toffees for another few seasons but the longer he waits, the more he risks causing irreparable damage to his relationship with his boyhood club- and Ronald Koeman isn’t prepared for any mucking around.

As it stands, North London is the most likely destination for Barkley but Tottenham may find competition in the market from rivals Arsenal. The Gunners have a big summer ahead and one crucial aspect that is being overlooked is the club’s decreasing homegrown contingent.

Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs are amongst the Englishmen linked with a summer exit, which would leave Arsenal’s homegrown ranks looking severely lacking- so a move for British players is likely this summer.

In regards to his price-tag, there is no way that Ross Barkley is worth that amount and it’s difficult to imagine Everton actually commanding such a high-price for a player of his services and negotiations will likely decrease the figure to somewhere around £30m, plus add-ons.

Sam Cox (@SamRCox_)

Spurs seem likely candidates to sign him, but I have a hunch he will remain at Everton. The price tag is extortionate for a player who suffers from great inconsistency and only one of the top six would be able to stump up that sort of fee.

There’s still a chance Barkley becomes a one-in-a-generation player for England, but it’d be a severe risk from any top six clubs.