Kylian Mbappe alongside Manchester United star Paul Pogba and Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, plus three Chelsea defenders inclusing Antonio Rudiger in best XI of players out of contract and set for free transfer in 2022

The transfer window is open for business on January 1, and it could be a month of huge deals as a host of big stars enter the final six months of their contracts.

It presents the chance for players to speak with foreign clubs about joining them in the summer at which point they will be free - unless clubs decide to cash in.

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For many, an exit from their respective clubs is guaranteed with players reportedly making plans to pursue new challenges.

Other others, their futures are still unclear with time for their clubs to tie them down to deals.

But, with offers set to fly in during the window, could they be tempted by a big pay day and move to pastures new?

marvelbet369.com looks at the best starting XI from the players who are currently set to become free agents next summer - and therefore up for grabs in January.

Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris

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The veteran goalkeeper has been a stalwart at Tottenham Hotspur since joining the club in 2012 from Lyon.

The 34-year-old has made over 380 appearances for Spurs, the majority of them as captain and, although he has not lifted after silverware for the club, he has won the World Cup and UEFA Nations League with his country during his time in north London.

Tottenham, who have been linked with Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson as possible replacements, have allowed the skipper's contract to run down, but head coach Antonio Conte holds the Frenchman in high regard and talks are set to intensify in the coming months over a possible contract extension.

Defence

Marcelo (LB)

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The Brazilian star has made his intentions clear of leaving Real Madrid next summer and return back to Brazil after a glittering career in Spain.

After over 500 appearances and lifting four Champions League trophies, five LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, four FIFA Club World Cups and four Spanish Super Cups, the 33-year-old is set to re-join Fluminense once his contract expires at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Marcelo started his playing career with the Brazilian side, where he joined the academy set-up before establishing himself into the first-team in 2005/06 campaign.

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

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Rudiger's influence at the centre of Chelsea's defence has been evident this season, with the German revitalised under Thomas Tuchel.

But, his contract situation has not changed despite his newfound importance to the Blues.

Barcelona have expressed their interest to sign him in recent weeks but are unlikely to afford to pay him what he wants, with Chelsea also said to be hesitant to pay up and offer him a bumper new deal.

However, Real Madrid, Paris-Saint Germain and Bayern Munich are all interested to sign Rudiger and able to fulfil the German's wage demands.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

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The Danish defender has struggled to cement a regular starting spot under Tuchel in Chelsea's back-three set-up.

Premier League rivals Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all monitoring developments over his Blues future.

AC Milan and Barcelona are also both assessing his situation, with clubs likely to swoop for the 25-year-old when the window opens.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

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The much-loved captain has become a key figure at the back in Chelsea's success over the past decade.

However, Azpilicueta looks likely to leave Stamford Bridge after losing his place in Tuchel's defence, with Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah preferred over him.

Barcelona are the leading the line to secure the Spaniard's signature and current boss Xavi admired his versatility in defence, while LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid are also interested in signing him.

Midfield

Gareth Bale (LW)

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The Welsh winger could on his way out of Real Madrid for the final time, having struggled for consistency in recent seasons.

A potential return to Tottenham is possible following his successful loan back at his former club last season, where managed 16 goals and three assists in 34 games.

It's clear the 32-year-old's time at the Bernabeu is up, having made just three appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal, this season.

But, having previously been linked with moves to the Middle East and Major League Soccer, there's every chance Bale could opt for one last payday before ending his career, rather than a return to England.

Paul Pogba (CM)

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Pogba reportedly admitted that he is happy at Manchester United following summer signings of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the Frenchman's future at Old Trafford is still unclear, with outspoken agent Mino Raiola revealing he has had 'many offers' - including an extension with the Red Devils.

However, its claimed that contract situation has stalled due to the club's poor form and the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, which could open to a potential return to Juventus.

Real Madrid could also lead the line in signing the Frenchman, with Raiola saying Bayern Munich can't afford to pay his wages.

Luka Modric (CM)

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Both Manchester clubs are linked with Modric if fails to extend his stay at Real Madrid.

The Croatia international and Ballon d'Or winner is said to be keen to stay, which could potentially stop the LaLiga giants from signing Pogba.

Man City and Manchester United have been linked with an interest in the former Tottenham star, with a possible future move to MLS champions New York City if he does move to the Etihad.

However, claim Real bosses want to keep him and the Croatia captain is likely to pen new terms with Los Blancos.

You never know, though...

Jesse Lingard (RW)

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Much was expected from Lingard this season after his stunning six months on loan at West Ham last term, but he has found his playing opportunities limited at Old Trafford following due to the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

With his contract up at the end of the campaign, it's likely the boyhood United player will push to leave Old Trafford in search of the regular gametime he deserves.

But whether that will be a January transfer or a free transfer in the summer, is uncertain.

AC Milan, Barcelona, West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham and Everton are all interested in signing him, with Lingard surely hopeful of proving himself worth of place in England's 2022 World Cup squad.

Forwards

Kylian Mbappe (CF)

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Mbappe has always dreamt about playing for Real Madrid, and he won't get a better opportunity to make his dreams come true.

The LaLiga outfit had two bids rejected for the French superstar in the summer, with reports claiming the highest was €200million [£170m] on deadline day, but even that was deemed not high enough for PSG.

But the French giants may regret not cashing in when they had the chance, with Real free to negotiate a possible free transfer in January.

PSG's last-16 encounter with Los Blancos in the Champions League could be decisive in Real's final quest to sign him ahead of next season.

Alexandre Lacazette (CF)

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Contract negotiations have stalled for Lacazette until the end of the 2021/22 campaign, but by then it could be too late.

He has been leading the line for Arsenal in recent weeks, and has taken the captain's armband, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Mikel Arteta's doghouse again, but it's unclear if he'll stay at the Emirates this summer.

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The Frenchman has played 14 games in all competitions but has managed only four goals, and it has been long expected he would leave the north London club when his deal expires.

But, with the new uncertainly over Aubameyang's future, it could prompt Arsenal into acting to keep Lacazette at the club.

Free agents in 2022 XI:

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