So what if the transfer window has closed… There are still free agents out there itching to find new clubs and teams in leagues across Europe to have struggled to get the names they needed/wanted through the long summer.

Arsenal’s plight has been much-publicised, but the Gunners are by no means the only team in the Premier League to have missed out on reinforcements, with Manchester United still light in certain areas, while even Everton could, perhaps, have got another name or two through the door.

With this in mind, here are FIVE players still available after being released during the window just gone…

Carlton Cole

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Although he’s been mocked in the past for his often cumbersome playing style, Cole has genuine Premier League experience and a few years remaining in the tank at 31. Not so long ago the former England international was the subject of multi-million pound offers and was even being linked with sides of Liverpool’s stature, however his form dipped and he eventually found himself released by West Ham earlier this summer.

Arsenal are short on strike options… Just a thought.

Yoann Gourcuff

Likened to French legend Zinedine Zidane earlier in his career, Gourcuff looked destined for the top. He made his name with Bordeaux after growing frustrated at a lack of opportunities while wearing the red and black shirt of AC Milan before moving on to play for Ligue 1 giants Lyon at the back end of their glory years.

52 goals and 70 assists in just over 350 club outings is encouraging, and at 29 he appears to have some time on his side. Injuries have, however, been an issue in recent years, years Everton are reportedly considering a move.

Ron Vlaar

‘Concrete Ron’ was sought after just 12 months ago, but now he finds himself as a free agent. The Dutchman elected to run his Aston Villa contract down and had it not been for a late knee injury he would almost certainly not be without a club right now.

Strong, experienced, committed and blessed with leadership skills, he could be worth the gamble for a Premier League side come the winter, when he’s expected to be back to full fitness, and although speculation has cooled, Manchester United may perhaps head back in for him. After all, Louis van Gaal coached him in the Netherlands set-up.

Dwight Tiendalli

Released by Swansea recently, Tiendalli failed to make a real impact for the Swans, but that doesn’t mean he’s a write off. The Dutchman won the Eredivisie title while playing for FC Twente and 29 he’s by no means over the hill, while his status as a full Netherlands international is evidence that he has plenty of quality.

With quality left-backs in somewhat short supply, he could be worth a gamble.

Ezequiel Schelotto

After having his Inter Milan contract terminated over the summer, Schelotto is an intriguing freebie. Just three years ago the Argentine-born winger was representing Italy at international level after carving out an impressive career in his adopted nation.

Nicknamed ‘The Greyhound’ due to his pace and running style, the 26-year-old is in, what many would consider, his prime, making him a potentially appealing option for Premier League sides. He has, however, spent his entire career in Italy, and the move from the nation to English football hasn’t worked for too many players in the past.