English football has some notable names out of contract in 2022 and each will be able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign sides when the winter window opens next month.

From first-team stars to out-of-favour talents, we’ve decided to look at some of the most prominent players who could be on the move, either in cut-price January deals or as free agents next summer.

The most high-profile free agent nearing the end of his deal, could we be approaching the end of Paul Pogba’s storied spell at Manchester United?

Pogba has failed to agree on terms on a new deal with the Red Devils and looks increasingly likely to leave the club, with some of Europe’s elite clubs monitoring the situation of the France international at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old has rarely been far from the headlines during his five-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, with the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, having often courted controversy with ill-advised comments on his client’s future.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all been linked with a move for Pogba, who is sure to appeal on a free transfer in the current financial climate.

Pogba’s time with the Red Devils has been underwhelming and a move elsewhere could be beneficial for all parties as United prepare to embark on a new era next season. Having signed the midfielder in a world-record £89m deal, however, his exit on a free transfer will sting the club’s cash counters.

Chelsea have also seen contract talks with Andreas Christensen stall, with no news on an extension for the centre-back despite Thomas Tuchel’s previous claims that an agreement was near.

Tuchel has spoken publicly on Christensen’s situation after omitting the Denmark international from the side, urging the defender to ‘walk the talk’ and commit his future to the club.

“We have the hope that it (Christensen’s lack of action) influences the contract situation a little bit,” said Tuchel earlier this month.

“My understanding weeks ago was that Andreas wants the same as me and the club. But we have been waiting a long time for confirmation.

“How he acts on the pitch, he needs to act now off the pitch and walk the talk. He tells us he loves Chelsea and he wants to stay. He is a big part of a big club. We want the commitment.”

Chelsea also have veteran duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva out of contract next summer, though a deal for the latter is understood to be close.

Arsenal face a decision on the future of Alexandre Lacazette, with the Frenchman nearing the end of his deal at the Emirates.

Lacazette has started just seven league fixtures so far this season but has returned to the side in recent weeks as doubts persist over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, following his removal as club captain after a disciplinary breach.

With Aubameyang linked with an exit and both Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in 2022, the Gunners’ options are stretched with Mikel Arteta expected to target the signing of a new centre-forward in the coming months.

Arsenal are understood to be unwilling to offer Lacazette – who remains a valued member of the dressing room – a new deal on his current terms, but a compromise could still be found if both parties are intent on extending his time at the Emirates.

Jesse Lingard looks set to leave Manchester United, having seen his career stall once again after returning to the Red Devils last summer.

Lingard earned a recall to the England squad after an impressive loan spell at West Ham last term, before returning to United and receiving assurances over his playing time at Old Trafford.

However, the 29-year-old has failed to start a single Premier League fixture and has totalled just 88 minutes of league action across eight substitute appearances, with a winter window move likely for a player who has fallen out of favour.

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https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/17/eight-premier-league-stars-out-of-contract-next-summer/

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