Mesut Ozil, Emre Can, Leon Goretzka: Top 5 German stars who can move for free
Mesut Özil's expiring Arsenal contract has been the subject of fevered debate in England and Germany for months now. However, he isn't the only German star who is available on a free transfer.
Mesut Özil, Arsenal
The future of the playmaker has been the subject of speculation for months. Özil joined Arsenal in 2013 and has racked up 27 goals and 50 assists in 134 Premier League games. Recent reports suggest he could still stay in London, though wage demands appear to be a stumbling block. Manchester United appear the most likely destination should he leave but a return to Schalke has also been mooted..
Leon Goretzka, Schalke
The Royal Blues remain confident of holding onto the man they signed from Bochum in 2013 but, despite their excellent campaign, Goretzka may be destined for greater things. His displays in the Bundesliga and for Germany have alerted both Barcelona and Bayern Munich to his availability and there's every chance Schalke could lose another prospect in the summer, with the Bavarians leading the race.
Emre Can, Liverpool
The former Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen man has carved out a decent career in England without ever fully convincing Liverpool fans. Can's versatility - and the fact he's played nearly 150 top flight games at 23 - make him an attractive target for a number of Bundesliga sides. But long-term admirers Juventus are thought to lead the pack should Jürgen Klopp fail to tie him down to a new deal.
Sven Ulreich, Bayern Munich
At the beginning of the season, Ulreich's availability on a free might not have caught the eye. But the former Stuttgart stopper's performances in deputizing for the injured Manuel Neuer have enhanced his reputation, with Jupp Heynckes publicly stating that he wants a new deal for the keeper. With Roman Bürki under fire and Roman Weidenfeller now 37, could he even end up at Borussia Dortmund?
Max Meyer, Schalke
Another Schalke star who could be on his way, Meyer has finally started to fulfill some of his obvious potential this season under the guidance of Domenico Tedesco. The Schalke boss recently said the midfielder had been "great and his development is something we can be proud of". But the Schalke youth product's improvement has apparently caught the eye of Tottenham and Barcelona.