This summer, in particular, brandishes one of the superlative clusters of out of contract players ever lined up in footballing history.

With the likes of star-forward Edison Cavani, legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini and veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart all up for grab, the clubs across Europe, MLS, and even Chinese league will be going berserk to score these absolute bargains in the absence of transfer fee.

The following are the five of the best free-agent midfield prospects in the market that all clubs will be eyeing on:

Luka Modric 

For a decade since 2008, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had been sharing the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards between them before Luka Modric broke the cycle in 2018. The tremendous Golden ball-winning performance in the 2018 World Cup rose him to his prominence.

Since his move from Tottenham Hotspur eight years ago, Modric has been instrumental in spearheading Los Blancos' attack, clinching 17 major trophies in the process. 

Modric's second Laliga title with the club this year is set to be his final contribution; his contract expires in June 2021. If Madrid are still reluctant to let go of the most experienced player in their line up, there still lies the probability of a contract extension.

However, the competition has been fierce with Inter Milan actively in talks and other clubs keeping track of him. Either way, Modric definitely is the hottest prospect up for grab at the moment.

Earlier, when interviewed by the newspaper La Gazetta Dello Sport, Modric had this to say about his future,

I am sure I can play at a high level for another two years, after that we will see. I would like to finish my career at Real Madrid, but it will also depend on the club. After that, I will attend a coaching course...

" If things didn't go well in Madrid, I would consider the Italian league. But, honestly, my only priority has always been Real Madrid," he added. 

David Silva

 Nicknamed "Merlin" (magician) by his loving fans, D. Silva is one name that has been synonymous with Manchester City's sudden uprising in the last decade. Also, the fourth-highest goalscorer in Spain's history, he boasts agility and the exceptional ability to find his teammates for the goal. He is such a player who can be attributed with orchestrating the team on the whole.

The left-footed player has an impressive collection of four premier league titles, two European championships, and a World Cup trophy.

His glorious ten years at Etihad legally came to an end on June 30 this summer, but the thirty-four-year-old agreed to stay until the end of the season before he could hang his boots for Etihad Side.

The buzz around him is already making waves with reports linking him to Lazio, Qatari outfit Al-Duhail SC, A C Milan, and MLS side Inter Miami. 

Talking with Dailymail, SIlva mentioned about his plans, 

This is the last one. Ten years for me is enough. It’s the perfect time. It completes the cycle.

It’s a nice round figure. I can never see myself playing against City for another team. So 10 years — that’s it!

Mario Gotze

Back in 2014 World cup final against Argentina, German youngster Gotze volleyed the game-winner in 113th minute, and the footballing world was in awe of this gem. But, no one would have predicted how the future unfolded cruelly to this product of Dortmund's Youth product.

The 28-year-old was instrumental in Dortmund's tremendous showing under the then-boss Jurgen Klopp during the title-winning season of 2010-11. However, his career arc saw some steep downhill post that era because he struggled with a mystery metabolic disease called myopathy, followed by a failed stint with Bayern Munich.

But, there is no denying that Gotze still is the midfield genius and can still flourish into the player he was always deemed to be if provided with optimum opportunity.  

Gotze's Borrusia Dortmund contract expired at the end of 2019-20 season. He is now a free agent who is eyeing for a fresh start elsewhere. 

He was vocal about his journey so far with The Player Tribune, 

"Personally, I have been to the top, and I have been to the bottom. I don’t know where this journey is going, but I just want to say that this club is a very special part of my life."

Willian

As far as attacking prowess is in question, there is no competition for Willian among the available free agents. Over the years, we have witnessed the Brazilian excel the role of both the winger and attacking midfielder with equal grace and tenaciousness. 

Having made his breakthrough with Shaktar Donetsk, he forayed into the limelight when he signed for Chelsea in August of 2013 for £30 million. He is also a starter for the star-studded Brazilian Nation team.

In the seven years with the London-based outfit Chelsea, he clinched two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Europa League title.

As of next season, he will most likely be donning a different shirt. His contract with Chelsea expired on June 30. 

Earlier talking to Expendiente Futebol, he mentioned,

I think it's unlikely that I'll renew because Chelsea offered me a two-year deal, I asked for three and it ended there. We don't know what might happen. We might suddenly reach an agreement, but what I can say today is that my contract is up and I'll be free to negotiate with any club.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Often deemed as "one of the greatest French football assets," Ben Arfa has always been a tad short of the expectations. Although media links his failure to his lack of discipline, we can't wait but wonder about the feat he is capable of when he plays for the right club.

During his career, he has been around Europe playing for arrays of clubs, including PSG, Newcastle, Lyon, and Rennes. He is gifted with dribbling skills like no other. He was Ligue 1's young player of the season in 2007-8 and has often been rated high by veterans such as Cisse and Alan Pardew, among many.

The 33-year-old, who was under six months contract until the end of the season with Real Valladolid, will be searching for fresh pastures this summer.

The clubs around Europe will be looking to tame this beast and let him run havoc on the pitch.