Sport.co.uk takes a look at the next generation of French prodigies potentially gracing a Premier League club near you soon.
1. Henri Saivet, 19, Bordeaux - ‘The new Thierry Henry’ signed his first professional contract for the Girondins aged just 16. Seen as a potential goal machine for the national side.
2. Mamadou Sakho, 20, Paris St Germain – ‘The new Desailly’ is France’s U-21 captain. Able to play at centre-back or left-back, and great things are expected of him.
3. Franck Tabanou, 20, Toulouse – The left-winger is reportedly being tracked by West Ham United. An industrious, pacy and skilful player, Tabanou can also play at full-back.
4. Francis Coquelin, 18, Arsenal – Plucked from his hometown club Laval, the tough-tackling defensive midfielder is the latest in the seemingly endless line of young French players who have come through the Gunners’ academy.
5. Gilles Sunu, 18, Arsenal – A young striker who impressed on the way to Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup win last season. Recently signed a new contract at the North London Premier League club and is currently on loan at Derby County.
6. Vincent Acapandié, 20, AJ Auxerre – A promising attacking midfielder who has caught the eye of Manchester United and Chelsea FC.
7. Gael Kakuta, 18, Chelsea – Blessed with explosive shooting ability and a good touch, Kakuta has the makings of a fine player. It was a shame for him that his move to Chelsea was overshadowed by tapping-up allegations.
8. Jeremy Boga, 13, Chelsea – This youngster, signed at just 12-years-old from Marseille club ASPTT, has been described by some at Stamford Bridge as ‘the perfect number 10’. No pressure then.
9. Madin Mohammed – Dubbing a player the ‘new Zidane’ is always risky. But if that player is only six-years-old, it just seems absurd. If he explodes onto the scene in 2020, you heard it here first.
10. Chris Mavinga, 18, Liverpool – The Merseysiders beat Arsenal to sign the PSG defender, who can play anywhere across the back four.