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Free agent XI: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hatem Ben Arfa and more will be free transfers this summer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates PSG's winner
Image: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is leaving PSG this summer

With the Premier League season over, and the transfer window just weeks away from opening, attention will soon turn to how clubs will be attempting to strengthen their sides in pursuit of glory in 2016/17.

Another record summer of spending is on the cards in England, but champions Leicester have proved there are bargains out there to be had as well.

Here, then, is a look at a free agent XI of players who will be available without having to pay a penny...

When does the transfer window open?
When does the transfer window open?

With the Premier League season coming to a close, here's all you need to know...

Goalkeeper - Steve Mandanda

Steve Mandanda is set to leave Marseille at the end of the season after eight years at the club.
Image: Steve Mandanda is set to leave Marseille at the end of the season

An injury to Hugo Lloris would mean that Mandanda could be keeping goal for France at Euro 2016 this summer, and he would hope to put himself in the shop window as he prepares to leave Marseille.

The 31-year-old has been at the French club since 2007, making more than 400 appearances, but is set to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.

An experienced goalkeeper at the peak of his career would prove a superb addition to a host of Premier League clubs.

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Right-back - Gregory van der Wiel

Gregory Van der Wiel (right) celebrates his goal for PSG with fellow scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left)
Image: Gregory Van der Wiel celebrates with Ibrahimovic

The Netherlands international has pedigree, having played in a World Cup final in 2010 and he has also picked up a league title winners' medal in each of his four seasons at PSG.

However, while the French side continue to dominate Ligue 1, the 28-year-old right-back is out of favour and the club have confirmed he will exit this summer.

Centre-back - Kolo Toure

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure hopes to earn a new deal at the club
Image: Liverpool defender Kolo Toure hasn't signed a new deal at the club

Toure has enjoyed a fantastic resurgence in recent months at Liverpool. Thanks in part to Mamadou Sakho's ban and Martin Skrtel's decline, the 35-year-old Ivorian has been thrust back into the side and has risen to the occasion in their fine Europa League run.

Jurgen Klopp indicated last month that he would like him to stay, saying: "Kolo is a very, very important player for us, even when he doesn't play. He's one of the most impressive people I have met."

Toure's form lately has certainly proved he would still be worth a punt from many sides looking for an experienced centre-back.

Centre-back - Martin Caceres

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 14:  Martin Caceres of Juventus FC with his children celebrates after beating UC Sampdoria 5-0 to win the Serie A Championships after th
Image: Martin Caceres waves to the Juventus fans

Caceres has been out of action since February after rupturing his Achilles tendon, but if the Juventus defender can prove his fitness then there will be a host of clubs interested in securing his services this summer.

The 29-year-old also has Barcelona and Sevilla on his CV, as well as winning 68 caps for Uruguay and playing at the last two World Cups.

Left-back - Patrice Evra

Juventus full-back Patrice Evra
Image: Juventus full-back Patrice Evra may be leaving the Serie A champions

The former Manchester United left-back has been sorely missed at Old Trafford since his departure in 2014 and proved he could still cut it at a high level by going all the way to the Champions League final with Juventus last season. 

The Frenchman appears in line to get a new deal in Turin, but he is yet to finalise the terms.

Centre-midfield - Michael Carrick

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28:  Michael Carrick of Manchester United celebrates after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and A
Image: Michael Carrick looks set to leave Manchester United

It looks as though Michael Carrick may have played his last game for Manchester United at Old Trafford, with his contract set to expire this summer.

The 34-year-old was accompanied by his children onto the pitch ahead of their 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday, suggesting it may have been a farewell for the midfielder who joined the club from Tottenham in 2006.

Despite his age, Carrick is still an impressive operator at Premier League level and would still command a regular role at most of the clubs in the division.

Centre-midfield - Riccardo Montolivo

BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 03:  Riccardo Montolivo of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'It
Image: Riccardo Montolivo of AC Milan

The AC Milan captain could yet sign a new deal at the San Siro, but it has been a difficult season for Montolivo, and a move away is still on the cards. 

With 60 caps for Italy, Montolivo was once among the most admired midfielders in Europe but injuries have been a problem for him in recent times. However, at just 31, he would still be worth a punt on a free transfer.

Right-wing - Sofiane Feghouli

Sofiane Feghouli was played out of position against Barcelona, says Balague
Image: Sofiane Feghouli in action for Valencia against Barcelona

It looks as though Feghouli will be on his way out of Valencia this summer. The winger has not featured for the club since April 10 after some disciplinary problems and could prove a steal at just 26 years of age.

The Algerian was the club's Player of the Year in 2014/15, but boss Pako Ayestaran admitted: "I do not know if Sofiane Feghouli will ever wear the Valencia shirt again. It depends on the day to day and what the team needs."

Left-wing - Hatem Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa applauds the fans after Nice's victory over Reims
Image: Hatem Ben Arfa applauds the Nice fans

A Premier League return may seem unlikely for Ben Arfa after his travails at Hull and Newcastle, but the 28-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic resurgence at Nice in Ligue 1 this season and will be in-demand this summer.

"There are 18 very interesting clubs who have put themselves forward. I have picked out three," said Ben Arfa, who also had to deny claims earlier this month that he had signed for Barcelona.

Striker - Moussa Dembele

Fulham's Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring
Image: Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring for Fulham

Dembele was on the verge of joining Tottenham from Fulham during the January transfer window before the move broke down, but will be leaving Craven Cottage this summer.

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Now, other clubs at home and abroad are believed to be interested. The 19-year-old has impressed for Fulham this season, scoring 15 goals in the Championship as they struggled to just 20th in the division.

Striker - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates
Image: PSG forward Ibrahimovic celebrates

Ibrahimovic confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain after four successful seasons at the club, and his imminent move will undoubtedly be one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

Even at 34, the Swedish international is one of the most-feared strikers in Europe, and would still strengthen almost any squad in the Premier League.

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