There will be plenty of movement across the world's biggest clubs, with the transfer windows opening across Europe
The 2018-19 season has concluded and one of the busiest periods for a football club is now under way: the summer transfer window .
Clubs across the world will be doing business in the market, attempting to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2019-20 campaign and deals will be hammered out right up until deadline day.
This year, in England, the summer transfer window opened a little earlier – just a few days after the last Premier League match in mid May – with the windows of the other big leagues opening on June 1.
With the rumour mill heating up, Goal takes a look at some of the biggest transfer targets.
Getty ImagesToby Alderweireld | Tottenham | Defender
Speculation swirled around Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld last summer, but, at the beginning of 2019, the Belgium international's contract with the club was extended until 2020.
Manchester United were reportedly very keen on the experienced centre-back and the Red Devils remain in the market for reinforcements in that area, but they will have to be willing to fork out around £25 million ($33m) if they wish to secure his services.
Arsenal have also been linked and, while he wouldn't be the first star to cross the north London divide, that destination seems less likely. He hinted that he could stay in the aftermath of Spurs' Champions League final defeat, but that will inevitably rely on various moving particles falling into place.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesGareth Bale | Real Madrid | Forward
Despite scoring decisive goals in two Champions League final successes, Gareth Bale continues to cut a figure of isolation at Real Madrid.
The winger is close to completing six years in the Spanish capital, where he has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell, but rumours persist regarding his future in the team.
In response to rumours, his agent insisted that the player is "100 per cent committed" to Los Blancos, but a return to the Premier League seems increasingly likely, with both Tottenham and Manchester United being linked.
However, any move for Bale will be a costly one, with reports suggesting that Madrid's asking price is £113 million ($148m).
Getty ImagesTiemoue Bakayoko | Chelsea | Midfielder
Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko was a big-money signing for Chelsea in 2017, arriving from Monaco for a fee of £40 million ($52m), but he failed to live up to the hype and was subsequently sent out on loan to AC Milan.
The 24-year-old took some time to get going at San Siro too, but eventually found his groove, despite the ultimately missing out on Champions League qualification.
Chelsea's looming transfer ban means they may not be so inclined to allow talent to exit the club, but Milan are keen to make the deal permanent. However, rivals Inter are also monitoring the situation, according to reports.
Getty ImagesLeonardo Bonucci | Juventus | Defender
Leonardo Bonucci made a triumphant return to Juventus last season after enduring a difficult spell at AC Milan, so it would seem unlikely that he will leave again so soon.
However, Paris Saint-Germain are willing to test the Bianconeri's resolve on the matter as they seek to take advantage of the fact that Matthijs de Ligt could be on his way to Turin.