Sports Vent

It seems to happen every window, but strikers are at the forefront of the speculation machine once again. Every top club, aside from Manchester City, who have Erling Haaland, is looking for a No. 9. So, who are the best candidates? And which clubs could be the best fit for them if they leave this summer? 

Arsenal's Interest in Promising Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko might be a perfect profile for Arsenal, and the Gunners have been keeping an eye on the 22-year-old forward for some time, but big considerations need to be addressed, given the somewhat prolonged discussion around a possible €70 million transfer. Tall (6-foot-5), mobile, hard to knock off the ball, and technically sound, he can be both a target man and a back-four-breaking threat and would fit nicely with a possession-based team looking for more directness. 

His volume and shooting ability (3.09 shots per 90 minutes last season on average) are higher than nearly any other U23 front player, and Sesko's link play has become even more sophisticated. While he is still developing, his potential is exciting, and he would provide the profile of No. 9 that Mikel Arteta's team lacks at this time. 

Given a club that usually considers recruitment very carefully, Sesko may be a no-brainer with seemingly limited downside. Most scouts agree Arsenal would be acquiring one of the best young forward prospects in the game.

Bayern Munich Eyes Bundesliga Star Deniz Undav

In his breakout season with Stuttgart, Woltemade scored 10 Bundesliga goals since January and then burst onto the international stage with a brilliant European Under-21 Championship for Germany, where he was the tournament's top scorer (6 goals), had the most assists (3), and had the most key passes (3.0 per 90 minutes).

His all-around offensive profile is impressive, but at 6-foot-6, while being taller than Sesko, Nick Woltemade is much less mobile and less of a threat in transition. Also, for someone of his stature, he interestingly won only 33% of his aerial duels in 2024-25, which is 17% lower than Sesko's (50%). Regardless, Woltemade's recent scoring record and exceptional shot accuracy (62% of attempts on target) have caused speculation among some top clubs (e.g., Bayern Munich) about potentially paying €60m to acquire him.

Chelsea's Continuing Search and the Intriguing Hugo Ekitike

Chelsea signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m, have agreed to a £60m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's João Pedro, and have Nicolas Jackson on their books already, but their eagerness to add more young strikers appears infinite, and even if this particular one materializes next year when the cycle continues, Hugo Ekitike has been carving out a name for himself as one of the most interesting young strikers in Europe. Now at Eintracht Frankfurt after a comparatively quiet exit from Paris Saint-Germain, the 22-year-old is starting to return to the sort of sharpness that made him a star at Reims, where he scored 22 goals in 48 games last season.

Tall (6-foot-3), quick, and agile, Ekitike combines explosive acceleration with intelligent runs, particularly against high lines and unstructured defenses. Closer to the box, he shows a sensible sense of timing and an intuitive ability to find space inside the box. He has also become braver, dropping deeper to connect the play, and has improved technical finesse in tight areas.

That said, Ekitike's most threatening scenarios are when he is in front of the goal, moving further into the attacking third, and finishing with intent. Eintracht will know how threatening he is as they are looking to charge an £80m premium on any potential transfer fee. 

Victor Osimhen's Coveted Status Despite Napoli Fallout

Osimhen has fallen out with Napoli, resulting in a loan to Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray, but the Nigerian international remains arguably the hottest striking property in Europe due to his blend of phenomenal athleticism, proven finishing (0.62 non-penalty goals per 90 last year), and off-the-ball sensitivity. 

Tactically, Osimhen is also excellent in transition and against organized defensive units, seeking to exploit the space behind the defence with timed acceleration and pace, but his intelligence allows him to find gaps in congested penalty areas. Osimhen excels in aerial battles (3.2 per 90), can link play if required, and can play in a range of attacking scenarios. 

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Al Hilal, and Galatasaray (on a permanent deal) have all been mentioned as potential suitors. A return to Serie A has both familiarity and tactical fit to offer. He is still an extremely attractive player for teams in search of a direct, impactful number 9, and Juventus is one of those teams that could use his services.

Jonathan David Nears Juventus Move as Free Agent

Having decided to leave Lille on a free transfer this summer, sources told Sport Vent that Jonathan David is on the verge of moving to Juventus. David has been a consistent scorer in Ligue 1, scoring 87 goals in 174 appearances, combining quick movement with powerful finishing. However, there are still questions about his ability, particularly with using a No. 9 as a lone striker in a system that requires a strong hold-up play. Those same questions do not exist with Osimhen.

Still, with his speed, intelligent runs, and an instinct for poaching goals in and around the box, David is as close as you can get to a guarantee of double figures in goals and his dependability makes him one of the more attractive free agents around, so not really a risk for Juve.

Liverpool Could Reach New Heights with Alexander Isak

Adding Alexander Isak (who was second in the Premier League scoring charts with 23 goals) to a Liverpool attack already featuring Mohamed Salah (who led the charts with 29 goals) and the new £100m added attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz would elevate the champs. 

Isak is elite in every measurable way based on last season's metrics. 4.97 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes, top four for shots on target (46), and trade the highest mark in the league for goal contributions at 0.84 per 90. While not necessarily known for his defensive work, the Sweden international has developed into a more complete center forward for Newcastle. But there will be a hefty price for every club to pay, with Isak costing around £150m before Newcastle considers accepting an offer, as he is under contract until 2028.

Mainz's Prolific Goal-Poacher Jonathan Burkardt Attracts Attention

More of an old-style goal poacher than a newfangled No. 9, Jonathan Burkardt has attracted interest from the best clubs in Europe after an impressive season with Mainz. The 23-year-old scored 18 goals, occasionally captained the side, and was key in Mainz's improbable qualification for the UEFA Conference League.

His game is based on intelligent off-the-ball movement, solid shooting technique with his right foot, a love of pressing, sharp positional sense, and an otherworldly knack for arriving in the right spot at the right time. While his top speed (32.3 km/h) wouldn't give him away as a penetrating forward, Burkardt compensates with smart anticipation and a resourceful aerial game. He's a specialist in finding space and punishing defensive disorganization.

Manchester United's Strong Link to Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres

Scoring 68 goals in 66 league fixtures for Sporting, Viktor Gyökeres is now one of the most talked-about forwards in Europe, and a move in the summer looks likely. Naturally, Manchester United appear to be a route given their obvious connection with the manager who has let loose Gyökeres' first-rate finishing from Sporting: Ruben Amorim. The club is reportedly also targeting Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and has acquired Matheus Cunha already. 

However, Gyökeres has much more to his game than finishing. Last season, he led all forwards in Portugal with 3.36 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, showcasing his explosiveness in and around the attacking box. His link-up play is intelligent; in movement and ability to drop into pockets or combine with teammates in tight areas, his mobility at 6-foot-2 and intensity hide his frame. 

As a 27-year-old Swede, the international forward has taken a couple of years to get going in his career. But few can rival his current form, goal-scoring capabilities, physicality, and technical completeness. And Amorim already knows he will fit as a front player into the 3-4-2-1.

Late Interest in FC Porto's Young Talent Samu

Samu Aghehowa signed for Atlético Madrid from Granada in 2023 but never made an appearance for their first team and was loaned to Alavés for the entirety of the following season, where he impressed. Chelsea attempted to sign him for €40m in 2024, but the deal fell through at the last minute. He signed for FC Porto and had a decent first season, finishing joint-second in the Primeira Liga scoring charts with 19 goals (still 20 behind Gyökeres).

Although he regressed somewhat in the second half of the season, the 21-year-old possesses the characteristics associated with a traditional No. 9: strong, direct, and aerially dominant. He won 45% of his aerial duels, and while he physically impresses with his vertical leap, heading technique, and timing, he is an ever-present threat from crosses. He is also getting better at using his body to protect the ball and hold defenders off, which gives him an option to pass to with his back to goal.

While not the caliber of player Gyökeres is, Samu's movement is more than enough, and while his link-up play needs improvement, it is developing. Given United is looking for a physical presence in the penalty box, the erstwhile Spain international is an intriguing option with the added value of being five years younger with room to develop.