Bayern have also wrapped up the appointment of Pep Guardiola as their next coach. But not all teams are as well organised as Bayern, and there is sure to be extensive transfer activity this summer as Europe’s leading clubs bolster their ranks again.
The key players on the move will as usual be forwards, the most in demand position on the field. Robert Lewandowski may join Gotze in leaving Dortmund, as with his contract running down and his intention not to renew it, his club will have little option but to cash in now to prevent him leaving on a free 12 months later.
Lewandowski is not the only high profile forward on the move. Edinson Cavani may spark a bidding war, with the Napoli forward likely to leave his club if a big enough offer come in. Most top sides are after him, although it may take an offer of up to £60 million to make Aurelio di Laurentiis do business.
If Cavani is too steep in terms of his asking price, then a slightly more affordable forward is the Colombian Falcao. He seems very likely to leave Atletico Madrid, who may struggle to prevent suitors from taking their prized asset. Real Madrid are keen, but Atletico will be equally as keen to ensure he goes anywhere else. Both Manchester clubs could be after him, with Manchester United reportedly keen, whilst Chelsea will want him too.
Chelsea are already preparing to bolster their ranks with the signing of Andreas Schurrle, the Bayer Leverkusen forward who has been so important in his team’s performances in the Bundesliga, where they currently lie third.
The Borussia Dortmund exodus could continue though if Mats Hummels leaves. The bedrock of their defence, the German international is reportedly on the wish list of Barcelona and the Catalans may look to prise the player from Germany. Mauro Icardi has attracted attention for his performances with Sampdoria and may leave the club this summer. The Argentine, like Leo Messi brought up in Rosario but trained at La Masia, has attracted much attention.
Juventus are already signing Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao, and it will be interesting to see what future Fabio Quagliarella has at the club. Or Alessandro Matri. The club are also reportedly looking to sell Arturo Vidal to raise crucial funds, and the Chilean would surely have no shortage of suitors.
Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated his unhappiness at Real Madrid and would be the highest profile mover of the transfer window if he pushes for the exit door rather than signing a new contract. If he does go, he’d be replaced by Gareth Bale most likely. The Tottenham star could well leave the English side this summer if a big enough offer comes in for the Welshman, who could sign for Real Madrid anyway, or for Bayern Munich, who apparently retain an interest. The Bavarians would also be interested were Luis Suarez to become available from Liverpool.
Manchester United may look to offload Wayne Rooney if reports are to be believed, with Paris St Germain apparently interested. The Parisian giants may want to add to their galaxy of stars, and there are a host of players potentially leaving Manchester City they could try and prise away. Edin Dzeko, although he may be more likely to go to Germany, Carlos Tevez will try and leave, possibly for Corinthians in Brazil, and others including Samir Nasri, Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure should be on the move.
Julian Draxler has impressed at Schalke and could move, with Arsenal apparently keen. Etienne Capoué is another on the Arsenal list, although he may alternatively go to Tottenham, who retain an interest. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is a player courted by a huge number of teams and the prolific St Etienne forward could practically choose his next destination from anywhere. Stevan Jovetic is another high profile player who looks likely to move, with Arsenal keen to bring in the Montenegrin forward to bolster their attacking options. Asmir Begovic is another the Gunners may look to sign this summer. Isco too, will be a key and prized asset for whoever wins the race to sign him from Malaga, and there will surely be no shortage of suitors for his services. Riki is another who would attract significant attention if he chooses to leave Deportivo this summer.
