2015 free transfers: Arsenal and Liverpool targets head list

Here are eight players who are set to become free agents in the summer, including Arsenal and Liverpool targets.

Where could James Milner go this summer?

Sami Khedira

Only last summer Sami Khedira held the World Cup aloft as Germany defeated Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final. Since then Khedira has fallen out of favour with Carlo Ancelotti and has made only 17 appearances under the Real Madrid manager. The 28-year-old’s contract with Los Blancos is up this summer and the dynamic and industrious, defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal since last year.

Danny Ings

The 23-year-old has bagged 10 goals in 34 games for Burnley this season, with his latest coming in a 1-0 win away to fellow basement brawlers, Hull City. But his 10 goals and endeavour were not enough to see Burnley avoid relegation back to the Championship. While Burnley move down, Ings will surely stay up in the Premier League. A classic British centre-forward with brutish strength, early rumours were of a possible move to Manchester United. A more realistic move would be to Southampton or Everton.

Dani Alves

With over 200 appearances for Barcelona, Dani Alves has bags of experience after spending seven years with one of Europe’s elite clubs. While his best days are certainly behind him, the tenacious right-back still has plenty to offer a new suitor. He still possess the ability to gallop forward and operate as an auxiliary winger, but at 32 years of age, his legs may not be there to operate over an 80 minute period.

James Milner

Current club Manchester City are reported to have offered James Milner a mega four-year deal worth in the region of £165,000-a-week, which would make the Leeds-born England international one of the club’s top earners. Milner is yet to make a decision on his future, even with that bumper deal in front of him. Known for his hard-working nature and ultra-professionalism, Milner can operate on the wing or in central midfield.

Esteban Cambiasso

The 34-year-old veteran turned back the clock this season, by turning in some fantastic displays and helped Leicester City retain their Premier League status. The Argentine was named the Foxes 2014-15 player of the year. The deep-lying midfielder may have become slower in his older age, but his stunning array of passing skills has not departed him yet. Signed on a one year contract, the midfielder’s time is almost up with Leicester, but a superb season in England’s top-flight may result in a couple of clubs coming knocking.

Micah Richards

Micah Richards opted to take up an offer from Italian outfit Fiorentina at the start of the 2014-15 campaign and moved to the capital of Tuscany for a season-long loan. In the process, the 26-year-old bucked the trend of young English footballers who prefer to ply their trade in England. Admittedly it hasn’t been a stellar season for the powerful right-back in Italy, making just 19 appearances. A return to England looks to be on the cards, with Aston Villa and Liverpool being touted as new employers.

Ron Vlaar

The Dutch international was the bedrock of an impressive World Cup campaign with Louis van Gaal’s men eventually finishing in third place. An injury-hit season with Aston Villa has seen the 30-year-old’s fantastic summer form evaporate and in turn, there is no offer currently on the table from the Birmingham side. Powerful and commanding in the air, post-World Cup rumours had linked the defender with a possible reunion with Van Gaal at United, but with just 19 appearances for the Villains all season, the top-clubs may not be so keen for his signature.

Nigel de Jong

Defenders and defensive-midfielders dominate the top free summer transfer list and yet another defensive minded player makes the cut. Nigel de Jong is out of contract this summer, despite stating his desire to finish his career at AC Milan. The ex-City man was linked to a return to England last summer and the combative World Cup finalist may yet see out his footballing days in the Premier League.