The best summer 2018 free agent XI

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus

The Italy legend is entering the final year of his contract at Juventus and has all but confirmed he will retire at the end of the season. Could a team swoop in to and convince him not to hang up his boots next summer?

Defender: Juanfran, Atletico Madrid

The 32-year-old looks to be heading into his final few months of his Atletico deal. However, Juanfran still has plenty of football left in him, meaning he would prove to a huge steal for any club scouring the free agent market.

Defender: Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus

Widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football, the 33-year-old could be on his way out of Juventus next summer.

Defender: Daley Blind, Manchester United

The versatile defender's contract expires next summer, surely something Jose Mourinho will look to change over the coming months.

Midfielder: Emre Can, Liverpool

Despite the Reds' best efforts to tie their midfield enforcer down, Can appears destined to leave the club on a free next summer.

Midfielder: Leon Goretzka, Schalke

Goretzka is yet to agree fresh terms at Schalke, despite the club offering a reported £190,000 per week. European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich are closely monitoring developments in the contract stand-off.

Midfielder: Arjen Robben, Bayern Munich

The veteran winger is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Bundesliga champions.

Midfielder: Mesut Ozil, Arsenal

On numerous occasions the German playmaker has been 'close' to penning a fresh deal at the Emirates, but he is still yet to do so, putting a number of clubs on alert.

Midfielder: Franck Ribery, Bayern Munich

The 34-year-old has just nine months left on his Bayern deal. Does his future lie away from the club?

Forward: Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal

The thought of losing both Ozil and Sanchez next summer is almost unthinkable for Arsenal fans, but it looks more and more likely everyday. The club failed to cash in on their want-away star on transfer deadline day, meaning he is set to leave for nothing next year.

Forward: Lionel Messi

The big one. Messi has just seven months left on his Barcelona contract but reports have long suggested a deal is already signed. Could another team convince the Argentinian superstar to leave the club he has spent the whole of his trophy-laden career at?