Premier League Transfer Rumors: Top 25 Foreign Players Linked to England

With a number of big money transfers already gone through (or at least going through), it looks set to be a summer of squad rebuilding, and perhaps big spending, for many teams.

With Chelsea looking to rebuild an aging team, Manchester United bringing through more youth, Manchester City and their millions and Spurs and Arsenal both needing to strengthen certain areas in particular, there will always be some money being thrown about somewhere.

So far, many of the transfers and rumours have surprisingly been about either English or domestic players, but there should also be a fair amount of new talent coming into the Premier League this summer as well.

Here is a list of the top 25 rumoured foreign players who have been linked to joining the EPL.

Gervinho

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 20: Juan of Brazil tackles Gervinho of Ivory Coast during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group G match between Brazil and Ivory Coast at Soccer City Stadium on June 20, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by

Age: 24

Nationality: Ivorian

Position: Winger / Striker

Current Club: Lille OSC

Rumoured transfer: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal are the heavy favourites to land this Ivory Coast star and rumours suggest they already have the deal wrapped up behind the scenes, but nothing's been announced yet.

Bojan Krkic

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MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Bojan Krkic of Barcelona waits in the substitutes bench before the start of the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Age: 20

Nationality: Spanish

Position: Winger / Striker

Current Club: Barcelona

Rumoured transfer: Arsenal, Liverpool

Having not developed as much as Barcelona would have wanted, Bojan could be on his way out of Camp Nou this summer, whether it's part exchange or a straight transfer.

Alexis Sanchez

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LECCE, ITALY - APRIL 03: Alexis Sanchez of Udinese during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Via del Mare on April 3, 2011 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Age: 22

Nationality: Chilean

Position: Winger / Forward

Current Club: Udinese

Rumoured transfer: Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea

The young World Cup star has attracted attention from all of the Premier League big guns, but in what could be a twist in the tale, Barcelona are also rumoured to have lodged a bid.

Neymar

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Neymar of Brazil celebrates scoring the opening goal during the International friendly match between Brazil and Scotland at Emirates Stadium on March 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Age: 19

Nationality: Brazilian

Position: Forward

Current Club: Santos

Rumoured transfer: Chelsea

It's been talked about for a long time now, and recent rumours suggest that Chelsea are ready to match Santos' asking price—provided they can offload either Drogba or Anelka.

Keisuke Honda

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KHIMKI, RUSSIA - MAY 29: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN ALL JAPANESE MEDIA UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Keisuke Honda of PFC CSKA Moscow in action during the Russian Football League Championship match between PFC CSKA Moscow and FC Kuban Kras

Age: 25

Nationality: Japanese

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Current Club: CSKA Moscow

Rumoured transfer: Arsenal, Liverpool

Japan's World Cup star admitted he is "stuck in a rut" at CSKA Moscow, and has now alerted both Arsenal and Liverpool who are interested in securing his services.

Pablo Osvaldo

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BOLOGNA, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Pablo Daniel Osvaldo of Bologna FC competes with Albin Ekdal of AC Siena during the match of Serie A between Bologna FC and AC Siena at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on October 28, 2009 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Roberto Serra/Get

Age: 25

Nationality: Argentinian-born Italian

Position: Striker

Current Club: RCD Espanyol

Rumoured transfer: Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham

Osvaldo is one of the seemingly millions of strikers that Redknapp has been linked with at Tottenham recently, although they face stiff competition from Fulham if they want to get him this summer.

Romelu Lukaku

Age: 18

Nationality: Belgian

Position: Striker

Current Club: Anderlecht

Rumoured transfer: Chelsea, Manchester United

Chelsea look like the favourites to snag the man being labelled as the "next Drogba," and a strike force of Neymar and Lukaku could be the future for their club.

Eden Hazard

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Eden Hazard of Lille breaks clear of the challenge of Glen Johnson of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, second leg match at Anfield on March 18, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Gett

Age: 20

Nationality: Belgian

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger

Current Club: Lille OSC

Rumoured transfer: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur

Another one of Belgium's impressive youth, Arsenal are thought to be the favourites to land this youngster, although Liverpool and Spurs have also shown an interest.

Marcos Senna

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VILLARREAL, SPAIN - OCTOBER 21: Marcos Senna (R) of Villarreal duels for the ball with Thomas Augustinussen of Aalborg during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Villarreal and Aalborg at the El Madrigal stadium on October 21, 2008 in Villarr

Age: 34

Nationality: Spanish

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Villarreal CF

Rumoured transfer: Swansea City

Part of Spain's successful Euro 2008 squad, Senna would make a very impressive addition to newly promoted Swansea, as the Welsh club are thought to be preparing a move when his contract expires.

Diego Godin

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MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 21: Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid celebrates scoring his sides opening goal during the UEFA Europa League group B match between Atletico Madrid and Rosenborg at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on October 21, 2010 in Madrid, Spain.

Age: 25

Nationality: Uruguayan

Position: Centre Back

Current Club: Atletico Madrid

Rumoured transfer: Chelsea

Chelsea are evidently looking for a more permanent partner (and eventual replacement) for John Terry. Rumours suggest that Godin fits the bill of what the London club are looking for.

Wesley Sneijder

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ROME, ITALY - MAY 29: Wesley Sneijder of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after the goal scored by Samuel Eto'o during the Tim Cup final between FC Internazionale Milano and US Citta di Palermo at Olimpico Stadium on May 29, 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Pho

Age: 27

Nationality: Dutch

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Current Club: Inter Milan

Rumoured transfer: Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City

After back-tracking on his previous commitment to Inter, Sneijder is rumoured to be Manchester United's marquee signing of the summer, but Chelsea and Manchester City have also shown an interest.

Marco Materazzi

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BARI, ITALY - FEBRUARY 03: Marco Materazzi of Inter celebrates victory after the Serie A match between AS Bari and FC Intenazionale Milano at Stadio San Nicola on February 3, 2011 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Age: 37

Nationality: Italian

Position: Centre Back

Current Club: Inter Milan

Rumoured transfer: Queens Park Rangers

It's thought that Premier League new boys QPR could use their vast wealth to secure the signing of Marco Materazzi for his swansong season and their return to the EPL.

Thiago Alcantara

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 07: Thiago Alcantara of Barcelona runs with the ball during the Champions League match between Barcelona and Rubin Kazan at Camp Nou Stadium on December 7, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won 2-0. (Photo by David Ramos/Ge

Age: 20

Nationality: Spanish

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Barcelona B

Rumoured transfer: Arsenal, Bolton Wanderers

Barcelona must know Arsenal's weakness of snapping up their young stars. They are thought to have offered Alcantara as a part exchange deal for Fabregas, although Bolton have also lodged a surprise bid.

Youssef El Arabi

Age: 24

Nationality: Moroccan

Position: Forward

Current Club: Stade Malherbe Caen

Rumoured transfer: Stoke City

It was thought that Tony Pulis made a visit out to France at the start of June to watch (and possibly meet) El-Arabi, who could be a key player for Stoke City next season.

Leandro Damiao

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Leandro Damiao of Brazil has his effort stopped by Allan McGregor of Scotland during the International friendly match between Brazil and Scotland at Emirates Stadium on March 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewit

Age: 21

Nationality: Brazilian

Position: Striker

Current Club: Internacional

Rumoured transfer: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal

New midfielder Sandro is said to have recommended Damiao to Spurs bosses; soon after, a bid was apparently rejected. The chase is still thought to be on though, as Arsenal may also be interested.

Lassana Diarra

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MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 24: Lass Diarra of Real Madrid in action during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on January 24, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Age: 26

Nationality: French

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Current Club: Real Madrid

Rumoured transfer: Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Arsenal

Diarra has long been linked to Tottenham, especially since Redknapp took over after the pair worked together at Portsmouth, but Arsenal and Manchester United are also looking to bolster their midfields.

Gonzalo Higuain

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MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 10: Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Getafe at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 10, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Age: 23

Nationality: Argentinian

Position: Striker

Current Club: Real Madrid

Rumoured transfer: Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur

With no outright favourite, all of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City were alerted to the status of Higuain after Real Madrid apparently placed him on their transfer list for a surprisingly low £15 million.

Juan Mata

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VALENCIA, SPAIN - APRIL 10: Juan Mata of Valencia looks on during the La Liga match between Valencia and Villarreal at Estadio Mestalla on April 10, 2011 in Valencia, Spain. Valencia won 5-0. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Age: 23

Nationality: Spanish

Position: Midfielder / Winger

Current Club: Valencia

Rumoured transfer: Liverpool, Manchester City

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are thought to be interested in bolstering their midfields with Juan Mata, who had some very good performances this season.

Giuseppe Rossi

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

LIEGE, BELGIUM - JUNE 07: Giuseppe Rossi (L) of Italy during the international friendly match between Italy and Ireland at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on June 7, 2011 in Liege, Belgium. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Age: 24

Nationality: US-born Italian

Position: Striker

Current Club: Villarreal CF

Rumoured transfer: Tottenham Hotspur

Having been linked with Tottenham for a long time, it is thought that another approach may be made this summer, although Barcelona have also shown a big interest.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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ROME, ITALY - MAY 07: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Milan during the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on May 7, 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Age: 29

Nationality: Swedish

Position: Striker

Current Club: Barcelona (On loan at AC Milan)

Rumoured transfer: Manchester City

Although AC Milan are heavy favourites to sign Ibrahimovic on a permanent deal, Manchester City have also set their sights high on a potential replacement for Carlos Tevez.

Ezequiel Lavezzi

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NAPLES, ITALY - APRIL 17: Cristian Zapata of Udinese and Ezequiel Lavezzi of Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Udinese Calcio at Stadio San Paolo on April 17, 2011 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Age: 26

Nationality: Argentinian

Position: Forward

Current Club: Napoli

Rumoured transfer: Liverpool

If some of Liverpool's other targets are unavailable, then it is thought that they could make a move for Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi, who had a solid showing this past season.

Javier Pastore

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PARMA, ITALY - MAY 01: Javier Matias Pastore of US Citta di Palermo turns Rolf Gunther Feltscher Martinez of Parma FC during the Serie A match between Parma FC and US Citta di Palermo at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 1, 2011 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Val

Age: 21

Nationality: Argentinian

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Current Club: Palermo

Rumoured transfer: Manchester City, Chelsea

In an attempt to further strengthen their squads, both Manchester City and Chelsea are thought to be looking to the future by making moves for Argentinian youngster Javier Pastore.

Steven Defour

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LIEGE, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 02: Steven Defour of Standard Liege celebrates on the final whistle after victory in the UEFA Cup first round, second leg match, between Standard Liege and Everton at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, on October 2, 2008 in Liege,Belgium. (

Age: 23

Nationality: Belgian

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Standard Liege

Rumoured transfer: Everton

It is thought that Steven Defour could wrap up a move to Everton as soon as the end of this week. The young Belgian has attracted much attention from the Merseyside club.

Mathieu Valbuena

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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Mathieu Valbuena of France celebrates as he scores their second goal during the international friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffit

Age: 26

Nationality: French

Position: Midfielder

Current Club: Marseille

Rumoured transfer: Manchester United, Arsenal

As many clubs look to bolster their midfields, it is thought that Valbuena could be the target of a top Premier League club this summer (especially after his impressive Champions League performances).

Yannick Djalo

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HARRISON, NJ - JULY 23: Yannick Djalo #20 of Sporting Lisbon cools off during a match against Manchester City in the Barclays New York Challenge July 23, 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Sporting Lisbon defeats Manchester City 2-0. (Photo

Age: 25

Nationality: Guinea Bissauan-born Portuguese

Position: Forward

Current Club: Sporting Clube de Portugal

Rumoured transfer: Everton, Tottenham Hotspur

Everton are thought to be keen on the Portuguese attacker after some solid performances this season, but they will face stiff competition for his signing from Tottenham, although Djalo has said he remains happy in Portugal.