The 2018/19 Premier League season is nearly upon us and here at Rush Football, we’ve decided to take a look at five of the most notable free agents on the market right now…

Jack Wilshere

After spending 17 years at his boyhood club, Jack Wilshere decided against signing a new contract with Arsenal, opting to leave the club at the end of his current contract instead. The 26-year-old has struggled to maintain fitness in recent years, suffering numerous injuries along the way. In fact, Wilshere made just 25 Premier League appearances for the Gunners in the past three seasons.

On his day the talented Englishman can be delightful to watch, however his inability to remain injury free has stalled his development. Following the news of his impending departure, it was reported that West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton had expressed interest however no deal for the player has yet been agreed.

Max Meyer

German international Max Meyer announced that he would be leaving Schalke at the end of his contract. The 22-year-old featured 146 times in the Bundesliga for Schalke, scoring 17 times. Despite his young age, Meyer is seeking a contract in excess of £80,000-a-week which has caused several clubs to rule themselves out of the chase. Even with his wage demands, Arsenal, Liverpool, AC Milan and Marseille rumoured to be in talks with the creative playmaker.

Bernard

Shakhtar Donetsk confirmed the departure of Brazilian winger Bernard shortly after the conclusion of the Ukrainian Premier League season. The left winger had expressed his desire to leave Ukraine following its intense conflict with Russia, which caused Shakhtar to relocate over 150 miles away from the Donbass Arena to the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv. Known for his pace and energy, the 25-year-old is in high demand with Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham ready to swoop for his services.

Abel Hernández

Uruguayan international Abel Hernández has called time on his spell at the KC Stadium, citing a breakdown in contract negotiations as the primary reason for his exit. During his four years at the club, the former Palermo striker scored 36 goals in 98 league games for the Tigers. Once news broke of his availability, several clubs registered interest in the powerful attacker including Leeds, CSKA Moscow and Galatasaray.

Samir Nasri

On 25 February 2018 it was announced that former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri had been banned from football for six months due to a doping violation. The doping violation took place on 26 December 2016 when Nasri received 500 millilitres of hydration in the form of sterile water containing micronutrient components, whilst on holiday in Los Angeles.

The 31-year-old’s ban concludes in late August, however there are doubts over the Frenchman’s fitness and form following his stint away from the game. In additional to his lack of playing time, clubs will be put off by his excessive wage demands with the former France international rumoured to be demanding more than £100,000-a-week.

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