The three European all-star’s who are free to sign pre-contract agreements in January

In the world of football, there is nothing better than your club finding a bargain.

With teams across Europe and their managers already planning on bolstering their squads in January, there is no doubt that sides will be mapping out their Christmas wishlist.

Thanks to the long overdue decision to shorten the transfer windows, the need to get business completed in a timely manner is quickly becoming a priority for most clubs.

So, with the market fast approaching, who are the three European all-star’s who are running down their contracts and could be available on a cut-price deal in January?

 

Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal

While Unai Emery’s revolution at Arsenal may have made plenty of headlines, the future of Aaron Ramsey has also been a huge talking point in North London.

Spending a decade at the Emirates, many believed that the 27-year-old was the leading contender to take permanent possession of Arsenal’s armband.

However, with the arrival of the former PSG boss, Ramsey’s improved deal was taken off the table and the midfielder has been told he can leave on a free next summer.

A man who is certainly in demand, while Ramsey has indicated that he would prefer to stay in the Premier League, some of Europe’s most prestigious sides are still trying to get the Welshman’s signature.

A moment of magic 🧙

The October @carling Goal of the Month goes to @aaronramsey: https://t.co/TQ3SylidwY#PLAwards pic.twitter.com/LQnfnPe873

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 9, 2018

Despite reported interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, Serie A powerhouses Juventus now appear to be in pole position.

Looking to hijack Bayern Munch’s move, The Old Lady are lining up a £200,000-a-week deal to lure Ramsey to Turin. The defending Serie A champions will also have no problem in handing the central midfielder a four-year deal.

During his time with Arsenal, the 57-cap Wales international has helped the Gunners to three FA Cup titles and was also named their Player of the Season last year.

Per his current contract, Ramsey will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign side as of January 1st.

 

Adrien Rabiot – PSG

Much like Ramsey, their is another midfielder who will be topping many sides January wishlist.

That man will be PSG’s talented 23-year-old Adrien Rabiot.

Regarded to be one of the most talented young players across Europe, it appears that the Frenchman’s tenure at the Parc des Princes is quickly drawing to an end.

Despite PSG’s numerous attempts to offer Rabiot a new and improved contract in Paris, the four-time Ligue 1 champion has his heart set on a move to Spain.

Free to sign a pre-contract as of January, Barcelona are reportedly preparing a €10 million-per-year deal for the midfielder.

With Arturo Vidal struggling to make any kind of impact in Catalonia following his summer switch, the defending La Liga champions are looking to strengthen their midfield options.

While there might have been some controversy surrounding his absence from France’s World Cup winning squad, Rabiot has once again played a crucial role in PSG’s start to the season.

Most passes in Europe's top five leagues this season:

🥇Jorginho — Chelsea (689)
🥈A. Laporte — Manchester City (591)
🥉A. Rabiot — PSG (497)https://t.co/BwvcOK7fm0 pic.twitter.com/EjAbEYuRha

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 25, 2018

With the defending champions already racking up a 13 point advantage at the top of the Ligue 1 table, Rabiot has featured in 12 of PSG’s 13 league matches.

Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is also understood to now be personally involved in negotiations in an attempt to try and tie Rabiot down to a new deal.

Although Barcelona have accepted that they will not be able to rival PSG financially, the La Liga giants hope Rabiot’s desire to move to the Nou Camp will outway Les Parisiens lucrative extension.

 

Diego Godin – Atletico Madrid

With still much confusion surrounding his long-term future at Atletico Madrid, Diego Godin could be a man in extremely high demand come January.

Almost universally regarded to be one of the best central defenders across Europe, the 32-year-old has under 12-months left on his current contract and has a release clause of just £22.5million.

Cue Manchester United.

Despite Godin briefly flirting with a move to the Premier League on deadline day, his flirting with The Red Devils was seen to be nothing more than a negotiation tactic to leverage an improved deal from Los Colchoneros.

However, despite it appearing that a new contract was close to being agreed, Godin is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and clubs across Europe will be on red alert.

Captain Courageous! 💪

⚽️ @diegogodin – 91st minute!
#AtletiAthletic pic.twitter.com/NQpWXMxKlW

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) November 10, 2018

Although it might have been a sluggish start for Diego Simeone’s men, Atletico sit just one point adrift of Barcelona and their defensive record has once again caught the eye.

Spearheaded by their iconic captain, the Madrid based side have now kept six clean sheets in La Liga this season, the best defensive record in the whole of Spain’s top-tier.

While Mourinho and certainly Ed Woodward will be cautious about being burnt by Godin for the second time, there is no doubt that the Uruguay captain would be a much-needed addition to a struggling United defence.

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