Even though the league has come a long way in recent years and guarantees action-packed match ups week in week out, there are always players who are looking to seek greener pastures. The arrival of the Chinese Super League has further changed the landscape so players now have a glut of options to choose from.
Here’s a handful of players we could see ending their Premier League affinity next season….
1) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
The Chilean international has crafted a reputation of one of the finest players in England in the last few years since arriving in London from Barcelona.
However, it is quite clear that Sanchez’s ambitions and those of his current employers don’t match with the former Udinese forward reportedly frustrated at the team’s inability to sustain a league title assault for a long time.
During the current campaign, Sanchez was angry at his teammates celebrating a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth and with just over a year left in his current deal, it would not be a surprise if Arsene Wenger allows the player to leave.
The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are being touted as possible destinations with the latter potentially a done deal should the Spanish giants are forced to sell Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United.
2) Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
On his day, when fit, the German is one of the finest defenders of the current crop.
However, injuries have really dampened the centre-back’s ability to showcase his true potential and it is clear that Wenger would be looking to part ways with the World Cup winner once the season ends.
Reportedly, Werder Bremen are keen on signing the German so a return to the Bundesliga will not come as a surprise during this year’s summer transfer window.
3) Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)
In the last two years, the young Tottenham playmaker has really seen his stock rise to epic proportions.
Regardless of his age, the England international has gone from strength to strength and is enjoying a great season with the Spurs, scoring goals and providing assists as the North Londoners look to finally finish above their bitter rivals Arsenal in the league standings.
However, such performances have alerted Real Madrid who are keen on bringing the youngster to Spain. And once Madrid start liking a player, they rarely get outbid.
4) Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
The Serbian international has been a loyal servant for Chelsea over the years.
However, the arrival of Antonio Conte has seen the veteran full back’s game time reduced and although there could be a loan move for the remainder of the campaign on the cards, it is clear that Ivanovic’s future lies in another league with the likes of Internazionale monitoring his contractual situation.
£5) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
The Ivory Coast international and his agent had a falling out with Pep Guardiola years ago.
Now, both men are at Manchester City where the Spaniard has the final say on things.
And although the crowd favourite has found his way into the starting XI in recent weeks, Toure is likely to leave England by the end of the current campaign.