With a month to go, the hunt for a striker intensifies

By Martin Graham

Because the Premier League countdown begins, a number of golf equipment are accelerating efforts to safe a top-class ahead. Whereas Chelsea have already bolstered their attacking ranks with the arrivals of Liam Delap from Ipswich and Joao Pedro from Brighton, their rivals are nonetheless weighing choices. Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all exploring completely different avenues, with some golf equipment focusing on the identical names.

The competitors is fierce, and with quite a few golf equipment circling a handful of targets, readability is difficult to seek out. Right here’s a have a look at the place the striker market at present stands and who might be making strikes earlier than the season kicks off.

Near decision

Viktor Gyokeres seems to be nearing a change to Arsenal. The Sweden worldwide, at present at Sporting, has attracted vital consideration this summer season. The Gunners are anticipated to finalize a £63.5 million settlement for the 27-year-old, who has scored 97 occasions in 102 video games in Portugal. His arrival would sign an finish to Arsenal’s striker search.

Victor Osimhen’s scenario can be growing. Whereas the Nigerian ahead had been linked to Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, a return to Galatasaray, the place he spent final season on mortgage, is now in focus. Napoli and the Turkish aspect are in ongoing talks. Ought to negotiations collapse, a number of Premier League groups may reignite their curiosity.

Targets in demand

Newcastle don’t have any intention of letting Alexander Isak go, however Liverpool stay intrigued. The Sweden striker would command a record-breaking determine of round £130 million, in response to sources. Newcastle keep he’s not obtainable, however hypothesis is more likely to persist.

Hugo Ekitike is one other title drawing curiosity. The French ahead had his most efficient marketing campaign but with Frankfurt, scoring 15 objectives and offering eight assists. Newcastle lately had a £70 million supply turned down, whereas Liverpool has him on an inventory of prospects. Chelsea had been beforehand however have probably stepped again following latest signings.

Manchester United have been pursuing Bryan Mbeumo, though talks have quieted. The Brentford attacker is valued at over £60 million. Tottenham are additionally maintaining tabs however have but to submit a proposal. A number of European sides are monitoring his scenario as effectively.

Tottenham are additionally eyeing Yoane Wissa, one other Brentford striker. The DR Congo worldwide, who scored 20 objectives final season, has attracted curiosity from Newcastle and Liverpool. Spurs, now managed by his former boss Thomas Frank, are seen as a robust contender.

Choices to watch

Benjamin Sesko stays a attainable late-window goal. Beforehand linked with Arsenal, the Leipzig striker may nonetheless be on the radar for Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea. A transfer would probably price round £85 million. United’s curiosity may hinge on outgoing transfers.

Ollie Watkins continues to generate curiosity. Arsenal made an try and signal the England worldwide in January, however Aston Villa turned down their supply. Liverpool and Manchester United are additionally admirers, although Villa are reluctant to promote.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is one other ahead golf equipment are watching. Crystal Palace are eager to increase the French striker’s contract, which runs till 2027. He scored 17 objectives final season and performed an important position in Palace’s FA Cup success.

Nicolas Jackson faces uncertainty at Chelsea. Regardless of being their main striker final season and netting 10 league objectives, the additions of Delap and Pedro increase questions on his position. The 24-year-old could entice curiosity if made obtainable.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is at present with no membership after leaving Everton. Each Newcastle and Manchester United are believed to be contemplating the England striker, who might be a cheap possibility available in the market.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author