It appears to occur each switch window now, however strikers are dominating the rumor mill as soon as once more. Each prime membership, bar Manchester City because of the presence of Erling Haaland, appear to be out there for a No. 9. So who’re the perfect choices on the market? And which golf equipment may match them greatest in the event that they transfer on this summer season?
Sesko appears an excellent match for Arsenal and the membership have had the 22-year-old on their radar for a while, however the drawn-out nature of negotiations over a possible €70 million transfer raises some questions. Tall (6-foot-5), cell, laborious to unbalance, and technically sound, he presents each a goal to play the ball in to and a risk in behind the protection, making him well-suited to a possession-dominant aspect trying so as to add directness.
His highly effective and correct capturing (a median of three.09 photographs per 90 minutes during the last season) stands out amongst U23 forwards, whereas his link-up play has grown extra refined. Although not but the completed product, he combines presence with promise and would add a much-needed No. 9 profile to Mikel Arteta’s assault.
For a membership so cautious with recruitment, Sesko represents a logical transfer with few potential downsides. Most scouts agree that Arsenal could be touchdown one of the promising younger forwards within the sport.
Backup: Nick Woltemade, 23, Stuttgart
In his breakthrough season, Stuttgart’s Woltemade scored 10 Bundesliga targets since January after which exploded onto the worldwide scene with a sensational European Beneath-21 Championship for Germany the place he completed because the match’s prime scorer (6 targets), registered essentially the most assists (3) and key passes (3.0 per 90 minutes).
His all-round offensive skills are spectacular however standing taller than Sesko at 6-foot-6, Woltemade is notably much less cell, which limits his risk in transitional moments. Additionally, curiously for somebody of his dimension, he received simply 33% of his aerial duels in 2024-25 — which is 17% decrease than Sesko (50%). That mentioned, Woltemade’s current aim return and memorable shot accuracy (62% of his efforts land heading in the right direction) have sparked curiosity over a potential €60m transfer amongst some prime golf equipment — notably Bayern Munich.
Chelsea signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m, have agreed a £60m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion‘s João Pedro, whereas additionally they have Nicolas Jackson on the books, however their want so as to add extra younger strikers is seemingly unending and, even when this one occurs subsequent 12 months when the circle begins once more, Ekitike has been establishing himself as one among Europe’s most intriguing younger heart forwards. Now at Eintracht Frankfurt following a comparatively low-key exit from Paris Saint-Germain, the 22-year-old has begun to rediscover the sharpness that when made him a breakout star at Reims and scored 22 targets in 48 video games final season.
Tall (6-foot-3), fast and fluid in his motion, Ekitike combines explosive acceleration with clever runs, notably excelling towards excessive strains and disorganized defenses. Nearer to the field, he occasions his actions properly and instinctively finds area contained in the field. He has additionally grown in confidence when dropping deep to hyperlink play, and his technical finesse in tight areas is bettering.
Nonetheless, Ekitike is at his most harmful when dealing with aim and driving into the attacking third, the place his ending intuition and want to attain carry actual menace. And Eintracht know the way vital he’s, as they’re asking for an £80m price for any switch.
Backup: Emanuel Emegha, 22, Strasbourg
As Chelsea’s affiliate membership, Strasbourg might provide the Blues an easy path to signing Emegha ought to different targets fall via. The appropriate-footed Netherlands U21 striker should be slightly inexperienced to dive proper into the Premier League, however he loved a breakout Ligue 1 marketing campaign, scoring 14 targets.
At 6-foot-5, Emegha combines an imposing presence and above-average technical expertise with shocking velocity — clocking a prime dash of 36.5 km/h this season. He thrives in transition-heavy video games, utilizing lengthy strides to stretch defenses and, although nonetheless refining his back-to-goal play, he boasts a pointy eye for aim, with a 54% capturing accuracy that speaks to his effectivity.
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Regardless of falling out with Napoli and being despatched on mortgage to Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen stays one among Europe’s most coveted heart forwards, with a formidable combination of athleticism, deadly ending (0.62 non-penalty targets per 90 final season) and sharp off-the-ball motion.
Tactically, the Nigeria worldwide excels in each transition and towards low blocks, exploiting area behind defenses with good timing of his runs and explosive tempo, however his intelligence additionally permits him to seek out the suitable pockets in a crowded field. He is sturdy in aerial duels (3.2 profitable per 90) and hyperlinks play successfully when required.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Al Hilal, and Galatasaray (on a everlasting deal) are reported to be within the operating, however a return to Serie A might provide each familiarity and a right away tactical match. He stays extremely engaging participant for groups needing a direct, high-impact No. 9 and Juve may benefit.
Backup: Jonathan David, 25, Lille
After selecting to depart Lille on a free switch this summer season, sources have advised ESPN that David is edging nearer to becoming a member of Juventus. A confirmed scorer in Ligue 1, he has netted 87 targets in 174 appearances and combines sharp motion with medical ending. But, doubts persist over his suitability to work as a lone No. 9 striker, notably in techniques requiring sturdy hold-up play. And people doubts do not exist with Osimhen.
Nonetheless, David’s tempo, clever runs, and poacher’s instincts in and across the field virtually assure double figures when it comes to targets and his consistency makes him one of the intriguing free brokers available on the market, so it is hardly a big gamble for Juve.
Including Isak (second within the Premier League’s scoring charts final season with 23 targets) to a Liverpool frontline already that includes Mohamed Salah (who completed prime with 29) and new £100m arrival, attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, would elevate the champions to new heights.
Based mostly on final season’s stats, Isak ranks among the many elite in each key metric: 4.97 touches within the opposition field per 90 minutes, prime 4 for photographs heading in the right direction (46), and a league-best 0.84 aim contributions per 90. Although not essentially famend for his defensive work, the Sweden worldwide has matured right into a extra full heart ahead at Newcastle. However that has come at a value and any membership must half with round £150m to steer the Magpies to simply accept a suggestion, given his contract runs till 2028.
Backup: Jonathan Burkardt, 24, FC Mainz
Extra of a basic goal-poacher than a contemporary No. 9, Burkardt has attracted curiosity from Europe’s prime golf equipment after a standout season with Mainz. The 23-year-old netted 18 targets, wore the captain’s armband once in a while, and performed a pivotal function in Mainz’s shock qualification for the UEFA Conference League.
His sport is constructed round clever off-the-ball motion, wonderful capturing method along with his proper foot, avid urgent, sharp positional instincts, and an uncanny means to reach in the suitable space on the proper time. Whereas his prime velocity (32.3 km/h) does not mark him out as a lot of a penetrative ahead, Burkardt compensates with sensible anticipation and a resourceful aerial sport. He is a specialist to find area and punishing defensive disorganization.
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With 68 targets in 66 league video games for Sporting, Gyökeres has turn into one among Europe’s most talked-about forwards and a summer season exit feels inevitable. Naturally, Manchester United have emerged as a potential vacation spot, partially because of his apparent rapport with the coach who unlocked his prolific expertise at Sporting: Ruben Amorim. Although they’re additionally seeking to signal Brentford‘s Bryan Mbeumo and have added Matheus Cunha already.
Gyökeres presents excess of simply ending talent. He led all forwards in Portugal for profitable take-ons final season (3.36 per 90), highlighting his explosiveness in and across the attacking field. His link-up play is clever and fluid, permitting him to drop into pockets or mix with teammates in tight areas, whereas his mobility and depth belie his 6-foot-2 body.
At 27, it has taken the Sweden worldwide just a few years’ for his profession to get going. However few can match him for type, goal-scoring skills, physicality, and technical completeness proper now. And Amorim already is aware of he can slot completely into his 3-4-2-1 formation up entrance.
Backup: Samu Aghehowa, 21, FC Porto
Samu signed for Atlético Madrid from Granada in 2023, however by no means performed for the primary group and spent a 12 months on mortgage at Alavés the place he caught the attention. Chelsea virtually signed him for €40m in 2024 till a last-minute hitch scuppered the deal. He ended up shifting to FC Porto the place he loved a promising debut marketing campaign, ending joint-second within the Primeira Liga scoring charts with 19 targets (nonetheless 20 behind Gyökeres).
Whereas his type dipped barely within the second half of the season, the 21-year-old’s profile is that of a conventional No. 9: highly effective, direct, and aerially dominant. Profitable 45% of his aerial duels, his vertical leap, heading method and timing make him a relentless risk from crosses. However he is additionally more and more adept at utilizing his physique to defend the ball and maintain off defenders, making him a priceless outlet to play into along with his again to aim.
Although not as dynamic as Gyökeres, Samu’s mobility is greater than satisfactory, and his link-up play is bettering. United are searching for a bodily, penalty-box presence, so the Spain worldwide presents an attention-grabbing different with a major upside of being 5 years’ youthful.