There is a huge deal of uncertainty in the football world at the moment due to the coronavirus outbreak, and it would be fair to say that the pandemic will have an impact on the futures of a lot of players.
Indeed, a number of footballers are due to see their contracts expire at the end of June. The plan appears to be for the European seasons to finish, although it seems incredibly unlikely that will be the case by the end of June, particularly when it comes to the Premier League.
Behind the scenes, clubs will still be putting plans in place for the upcoming window, though, and there is no question that there are a number of talented players potentially available on free transfers.
Of course, the situation would change for any individual should they manage to agree a new contract with their respective club before their current deal expires.
However, here Sports Mole identifies a number of top players who are currently available on free transfers this summer.
WILLIAN (CHELSEA)
© Reuters
There has been a lot of talk surrounding the future of the 31-year-old, who will see his contract at Chelsea expire this summer. The Brazil international appears to want a three-year extension to his current deal, but the Blues are only prepared to offer another two years, leading to a breakdown in talks.
This season, the South American has contributed seven goals and six assists in 37 appearances at club level, while he has been capped on 69 occasions by his national team. One thing is for sure, the experienced attacker would not be short of interest should he become a free agent ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
DRIES MERTENS (NAPOLI)
© Reuters
Just 32, Mertens certainly has plenty left in the tank and despite Napoli's problems this season, he has still contributed 12 goals and six assists in 29 appearances in all competitions. Capable of playing in a number of different forward positions, the Belgian will not be short of interest this summer.
Since arriving at Napoli from PSV Eindhoven in 2013, Mertens has scored 121 goals in 311 appearances in all competitions, in addition to registering 73 assists.
EDINSON CAVANI (PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN)
© Reuters
PSG's all-time record goalscorer, the Uruguay international has netted 200 times in 301 appearances for the French giants in all competitions. He has only just turned 33, meanwhile, suggesting that there is plenty of football left in the South American.
In addition, despite no longer being a key player for the French champions, Cavani has scored seven times in 22 appearances at club level during the 2019-20 campaign.
JAN VERTONGHEN (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
© Reuters
Vertonghen has not quite been at his best this season, and it does appear that the 32-year-old will be leaving Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer this summer. He might not be in his current side's long-term plans, but there are plenty of clubs who will be having a look at the defender.
Inter Milan appear to be the favourites to land the Belgium international, whose versatility across the backline makes him an even more attractive proposition.
DAVID SILVA (MANCHESTER CITY)
© Reuters
Arguably one of the Premier League's best ever players will be available on a free transfer this summer unless he extends his contract at the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks. The 34-year-old has been an incredible servant for Manchester City since making the move from Valencia in the summer of 2010.
His influence has not perhaps been so forceful during the 2019-20 campaign, but the midfielder has still contributed three goals and eight assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.
PEDRO (CHELSEA)
© Reuters
The second of three Chelsea players on this list, the experienced attacker will see his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of June. Frank Lampard's desire to give youngsters a chance means that the former Barcelona attacker has been restricted to just nine Premier League appearances this season.
The 32-year-old has proved his quality over a consistent period, though, and has still contributed 43 goals and 28 assists in 201 appearances for the Blues since arriving from Spain.
ADAM LALLANA (LIVERPOOL)
© Reuters
There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a difficult season for the 31-year-old, who has found it incredibly tough to secure a spot in the Liverpool XI. The attacker has still made 15 Premier League appearances this season but has contributed just one goal and one assist.
A classy operator capable of performing in a number of different forward positions, Lallana appears to be on his way out of Anfield but will certainly not be short of interest come the summer.
OLIVIER GIROUD (CHELSEA)
© Reuters
Giroud was strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea during the January transfer window due to being out of favour at Stamford Bridge, but the experienced striker ultimately remained with the Blues.
Still a key player for France, the 33-year-old scored over 100 goals for Arsenal before arriving at Chelsea and has still managed 21 goals in 76 outings for his current side despite largely struggling for regular action.
GIORGIO CHIELLINI (JUVENTUS)
© Reuters
A Juventus legend, Chiellini has only just returned from the serious knee injury that he picked up on the opening weekend of the 2019-20 campaign. The centre-back is certainly no spring chicken at the age of 35 but seemingly has no plans to retire having worked his way back from a long-term issue.
It remains to be seen whether the Old Lady extend the contract of their captain, but he would be some free signing if his deal, as it stands, was allowed to expire.
THIAGO SILVA (PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN)
© Reuters
Like Chiellini, Silva has long been recognised as one of the best centre-backs in world football. The 35-year-old has had his injury problems this season but has still made 30 appearances at club level in all competitions.
A serial winner, the Brazilian lifted Serie A with AC Milan before moving to PSG, where he has landed six Ligue 1 titles in addition to a further 14 trophies in the various cup competitions.
