Yaya Toure is being linked with a shock exit from Manchester City…
Reports in the Metro this week controversially claimed that Manchester City have earmarked Arsenal’s record signing Mesut Ozil as the man to replace unsettled playmaker Yaya Toure, who has struggled with his form so far this season.
SEE MORE:
Greatest football team of all time! Check out the best XI of the 21st Century
Hottest TV presenters: Most beautiful sports show hosts in the world!
Sami Khedira Arsenal transfer set to be free!
CaughtOffside counts down the five best options for the big spending Premier League champions, should they choose to replace their current midfield icon:
5) Miralem Pjanic (Roma)
The 24-year-old Bosnian is one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe, having already played in excess of 200 top flight games during his time in France and Italy, while he has also been capped 55 times by his country. He was ranked 81st in The 100 best footballers in the world by The Guardian in 2013, having helped former club Lyon reach the Champions League semi-finals four years earlier. Contracted until 2018, and would demand a high price.
4) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
The 21-year-old former Manchester United youth team graduate has developed into one of the best midfield players in the world over the last two years, in which he has won back to back Serie A titles with Juventus. After making just three Premier League appearances in four years with United, he is now approaching 100 games for the Italian giants, scoring 15 goals. Has also made 20 appearances for France, scoring five times for his country, including one at the World Cup.
3) Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
The Chilean World Cup star rejected interest from Manchester United during the summer transfer window, but could he be tempted away if City come knocking? He certainly has the workmanlike abilities to contribute to both attack and defensive elements of play, which is something Toure has done so wonderfully over the years for City. There are concerns over some long-term injury issues for the 27-year-old, and any potential suitor would have to be certain before making their move.
2) Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
The German, who has already been ruled out to the start of next year with an injury, has struggled to find his best form at the Emirates Stadium. Could he benefit from a move to Manchester? The path between the two clubs is after all, a well trodden one. But you have to imagine it will be a little longer before the Gunners give up on their record signing. The World Cup winning playmaker is desperate to play in his desired number ten position, but he could find that tough considering City’s array of world class stars.
1) Ross Barkley (Everton)
The England and Everton youngster was linked to a move to Manchester over the summer, with City’s interest firmly rejected by the Merseyside club. However, recent reports suggest that both City and Chelsea will return with an offer for the player, who is rated at around £50m, in January. The 20-year-old midfielder may have made just 46 Premier League appearances, but his stand out performances last season, which earned him a call up into the England World Cup squad, have earmarked him as one of the most talented homegrown players of the current generation.
SEE ALSO: Best Premier League players 2014/15