Summer shopping: Assessing the transfer value of Monaco's studs
No team in Europe's top-five leagues has boosted the value of its squad this season like Monaco.
Boasting the continent's most virile attack, the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Lemar, Bernardo Silva, and Tiemoue Bakayoko have gone from prodigious talents to emerging stars.
Sure, Borussia Dortmund's success has been tethered to a young core, though Thomas Tuchel's side have appeared prescient in tying down the next generation of stars like Ousmane Dembele, Christian Pulisic, Julian Weigl, and Alexander Isak before other clubs could act.
Without knowing Monaco owner Dmitry Rybolovlev's ambitions for the future of the principality side amid a breakthrough campaign both domestically and in the Champions League, it's clear that the club could profit in the summer from a slew of sales.
Should the Monegasques choose to cash in on any of their players, here's a look at what fees they could merit and which clubs may fancy opening the pocket books for said studs:
Kylian Mbappe
The teen talent has drawn comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, and considering how unique and influential the French gazelle-type runner was, it's nary a surprise that Mbappe is reportedly drawing interest from Europe's biggest clubs.
Because of that demand, the 18-year-old Bondy-born attacker is likely to merit an astronomical transfer fee for the player who has bagged six goals in his last six Ligue 1 matches.
If reports linking Everton's Romelu Lukaku with a Chelsea return for a fee in the area of £65 million have any verity, surely Mbappe is worth at least that much.
Potential fee: €74 million (approx. £65 million)
Potential suitors: Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid
Tiemoue Bakayoko
A defensive midfielder who appears comfortable going forward, Bakayako's star is rising after a stellar campaign pairing with Fabinho to great results.
Only 22-years-old, the Paris-born Rennes academy grad has displayed tackling and interception skills well beyond his age in 36 matches in all competition. Paging Arsene Wenger, or whoever the Gunners gaffer is next season.
Potential fee: €45 million (£39 million)
Potential suitors: Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona
Fabinho
Already linked with a move to United after comments where Fabinho said, "I have no clue if one day I’ll be a United player, but I’ll keep on working so it stops being a rumour and becomes reality," this appears a match made in heaven.
A versatile player capable of playing in the middle or at the back, the 23-year-old Brazilian has excelled in possession with incisive through balls while showing a penchant for penalties, taking the most in Ligue 1 without a miss since 2013-14, going 11 for 11 during that spell.
The Fluminese product would be an ideal replacement for Yaya Toure at Manchester City.
Potential fee: €50 million (£43.6 million)
Potential suitors: Manchester City, Manchester United, Juventus
Thomas Lemar
Ask Tottenham about winger Thomas Lemar, and the north London lot will describe nightmares on the heels of a stunning Champions League result at White Hart Lane where the Caen product was utterly unplayable.
Such is the potential of a player whose dribbling and set-piece skills could have him among the continent's best, and despite some erratic performances from the 21-year-old over the second half of the season, Lemar would be an intriguing addition for many sides.
Potential fee: €40 million (£35 million)
Potential suitors: Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich
Bernardo Silva
Portuguese right-winger Bernardo Silva has been a revelation this year, pairing eight goals with seven assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.
As a result, the 22-year-old Benfica-reared star in the making could intrigue a Barcelona side looking for a potential Andres Iniesta replacement
Potential fee: €55 million (£48 million)
Potential suitors: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona
Benjamin Mendy
With the January addition of prodigious Flamengo left-back Jorge, a Monaco exit for speedy left-back Benjamin Mendy might make sense if the principality side is looking to make a profit on the €13 million it paid Marseille in the summer.
Mendy, 22, has proven a consistent factor for Leonardo Jardim this season, combining an affinity for deft crosses and a skill at aerial duels.
Potential fee: €25 million (£21.8 million)
Potential suitors: Arsenal, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Liverpool
Djibril Sidibe
Linked with Arsenal last summer, the attack-minded Djibril Sidibe is Monaco's answer to Cesar Azpilicueta: a resourceful full-back who can play on either side.
Pacey and likely to fire a shot from distance, Sidibe's weakness is a hesitancy to drop deep when tracking back, a tendency that could dissuade potential admirers.
Potential fee: €25 million (£21.8 million)
Potential suitors: Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona