How YOU can watch the Premier League’s next big things in action this week including Florian Wirtz and Rayan Cherki – but don’t forget about 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo!

As the curtain closes on another fascinating campaign of football, fans across Europe will now turn their attention to the upcoming UEFA Nations League. 

The competition, which began back in September, has finally reached it’s latter stages and will start back up this week with the semi-finals.

In the first of the match-ups, Germany will take on the first Nations League winners Portugal in their semi-final on Wednesday evening.

One day later, Euro 2024 winners Spain then take on France – which will set up both a third-place play-off and the all-important final on June 8.

With four outstanding footballing nations competing at the business end of the tournament, all eyes will be on the main stars who have been called up to play for their country.

Here, MAIL SPORT pick out some transfer targets to keep an eye on in the Nations League with many of them linked with moves away from their current clubs.

The UEFA Nations League will get back underway for the competition’s semi-finals this week

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates are among the four remaining sides

Mike Maignan – France/AC Milan

After an underwhelming campaign for the Italian giants, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan is eyeing up a move away from the club this summer.

Since his move from Lille in 2021-22, Maignan has produced 55 clean sheets for the club in all competitions, averaging a clean sheet every three games.

Additionally, with the Frenchman’s contract set to expire in June 2026, interested clubs could purchase the 29-year-old for a lower figure than first expected.

After finishing eighth in Serie A – and thus missing out on Champions League football next season – many of Milan’s established stars will be frustrated to not be playing in Europe’s top competition.

And, over in England, Chelsea have already taken an interest in Maignan and believe that their place in the Champions League could persuade the shot-stopper to move. 

Enzo Maresca has had a goalkeeping dilemma on his hand this year – with neither Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen proving reliable – and Maignan could prove to be the solution.

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been tipped with a move to Chelsea during the summer

The AC Milan shot-stopper is likely to leave after the club’s disappointing domestic campaign 

Rayan Cherki – France/Olympique Lyonnais

Promising Lyon talent Rayan Cherki has quickly found himself on the radar of many Premier League big hitters this summer.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a sensational campaign for Lyon, picking up 12 goals and 20 assists across all competitions in a breakout season for the winger.

Comfortable with both feet, often drifting in-field from the right wing, the Frenchman had been a vital part to the Lyon attack, in the season just gone, as they secured Europa League for the following campaign.

However, the French side are in the midst of financial struggles and have reportedly made up their mind that Cherki must be sold during the summer window. 

It had been reported that Cherki had a release clause of around £20m – however it’s expected that any club looking to land the winger would have to pay excess of that.

The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been interested in the exciting prospect yet it appears Manchester City have won the race.

City have reached an agreement on personal terms to sign Cherki, pending an official bid, as Pep Guardiola looks to revitalise his squad ahead of their quest to reclaim the Premier League title.

Manchester City have opened talks with Lyon as they attempt to sign 21-year-old Rayan Cherki

Cherki recently received his first senior France call-up and could make his debut on Thursday

Florian Wirtz – Germany/Liverpool

Generational midfield talent Florian Wirtz delivered another outstanding performance across the season for Bayer Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old registered 16 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, remaining consistent following Leverkusen’s historic 2023-24 undefeated title-winning season.

As a result of his performances, Wirtz has attracted the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs with both Manchester City and Liverpool interested in acquiring the midfield maestro.

Liverpool appear to have all but secured his signature in a deal estimated to be in excess of £110m.

The Leverkusen academy product even posted on his Instagram story, inferring his announcement as a Liverpool player is only a matter of time.

In a response to comments on social media suggesting he’ll oust Alexis MacAllister to take the number 10 shirt, Wirtz said: ‘Who says I want the 10.

‘I respect players. Don’t believe everything what’s written.’

Florian Wirtz is seemingly Liverpool-bound and is ranked No 10 in the world’s most valuable

Leroy Sane – Germany/Bayern Munich

Former Manchester City star Leroy Sane has been tipped for a move back to the Premier League – after five seasons with Bayern Munich.

The 29-year-old has occupied both flanks this season, competing for starts in a dangerous attack alongside Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane.

Sane scored 11 times and notched five assists as part of Bayern’s title-winning side, but it appears the ex-Schalke winger remains ambitious for a new opportunity abroad.

The winger has been linked with Tottenham and Arsenal so far this window. Saudi Arabian clubs and Turkish giants Galatasaray are also keen to sign the German.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal/Al-Nassr

Leading out Portugal against Germany for a place in the final, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to age like fine wine at 40-years-old.

In the twilight of his career, Portugal’s all-time top goal scorer has played the last three seasons in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.

Yet, with his contract set to expire at the end of June 2025, rumours of retirement or a transfer is on the cards.

However, on a recent live stream, FIFA President Gianni Infantino alluded to the possibility of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner playing in the Club World Cup, suggesting a move away from Al-Nassr. 

Infantino’s dream of the former Real Madrid and Juventus man playing in the lucrative Club World Cup appears unlikely as the forward is reported to have signed a new contract with the Saudi Arabian club, according to Santi Aouna.

There are suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo could look to leave Al-Nassr during the summer

Martin Zubimendi – Spain/Real Sociedad

Contending for a starting spot in Spain’s semi-final versus France, Martin Zubimendi continues to be a constant target for one Premier League side.

Real Sociedad’s anchor is a Basque product, progressing through the ranks of a club that has produced talents such as Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta.

It is the latter, now Arsenal’s manager, who is eager to bring his compatriot to north London as part of his side’s push for Premier League glory next season.

It is no surprise Arteta wants the Spaniard’s services with the central midfielder boasting a 85.4 per cent passing accuracy in the 2024-25 season, according to Sofascore.

Moreover, Zubimendi’s 2.1 tackles per 90 in all competitions would add to solidifying the Arsenal midfield, winning the ball back more often to reclaim possession of the ball.

Martin Zubimendi continues to be a constant target for one Premier League side

Rafael Leao – Portugal/AC Milan

In a similar dilemma to AC Milan teammate Maignan, Rafael Leao may be tempted by offers elsewhere to play Champions League football.

The 25-year-old notched 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Rossoneri, but the absence of European football may probe him to venture elsewhere.

M+ reported on Arsenal’s interest in Leao, especially if Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli leaves the Emirates this summer.

The Portuguese has also been reportedly interested in joining Barcelona saying he is ‘in love’ with the project, according to El Nacional.

Yet, Barcelona’s financial situation will likely prevent them from buying the dynamic winger, particularly as he has been reportedly valued at around £90m according to Tobi Altschaffl.

This has opened the door for Bayern Munich if the aforementioned Sane leaves Bavaria this summer, but, again, the price tag will be the issue.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk