Ten Ligue 1 stars that should be signed by a Premier League club this summer

Starting with Ligue 1, we will pick ten players per ‘top five’ league that should move to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

It’s important to be realistic – so no Kylian Mbappe – and not to include players who are pretty close to joining a team in England or elsewhere, so basically, Renato Sanches, Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike won’t be included.

Seko Fofana (Lens)

Fofana was linked with Burnley in January and perhaps that interest would have been reignited this summer if they had defied relegation once again. But no, they are gone and we miss them already.

The Ivorian midfielder actually played for Manchester City and spent a season on loan with Fulham. He didn’t play for the City first team but made 25 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring once. Fofana’s stint in west London was in 2014/15, meaning the 27-year-old has no Premier League experience. This shouldn’t be a problem if a top-flight side wants to bring him back to England.

Fofana had a solid first season with Lens in 20/21 but took his game to another level last term, scoring eight Ligue 1 goals as he played every game in the French top flight, captaining his side for much of the season. Fofana’s eye for goal, durability and midfield presence make him a no-brainer for a mid-table Premier League side, should Lens be willing to let him leave.

Lucas Paqueta (Lyon)

After fully expecting Paqueta to join Newcastle United this summer, a move for the Brazilian playmaker has been ruled out by a few credible journalists. His relationship with Bruno Guimaraes makes him an easy link to make, but he would be absolutely perfect for the Magpies, who could use someone of his profile, with his versatility being something Eddie Howe likes and something