Following a subdued January transfer window, the upcoming summer transfer market is shaping up to be a blockbuster affair as several top clubs gear up to secure a new center-forward for the 2024-25 season.
Premier League powerhouses such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea are among the clubs eyeing significant striker acquisitions. Here at TEAMtalk, we’ve delved into some of the most prolific center-forwards who are primed for their next career move.
Benjamin Sesko:
Benjamin Sesko has been a hot commodity among Europe’s elite clubs ever since his goal-scoring exploits at Red Bull Salzburg drew comparisons to Erling Haaland.
After making the switch from Salzburg to RB Leipzig last summer, the talented Slovenia international has been making waves in the Bundesliga with notable goals against Stuttgart and Union Berlin. This recent form has reignited interest in the 20-year-old forward’s future.
While Manchester United were previously linked with Sesko during Ralf Rangnick’s tenure, it appears that one of their English rivals is now in pole position to secure his services. Sources indicate that Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, have set their sights on Sesko as they seek a new attacking spearhead.
Although Chelsea holds an admiration for Victor Osimhen, Sesko presents a more financially viable option with a release clause of €50m (£42.7m) compared to Osimhen’s hefty €130million (£111m) price tag.
Despite not yet reaching his full potential in the Bundesliga, Sesko is anticipated to blossom into one of Europe’s finest strikers given his young age and room for growth.
Ivan Toney:
Ivan Toney’s potential move from Brentford to Arsenal in January was heavily speculated, but Bees manager Thomas Frank quashed those rumors by affirming Toney’s commitment to the club.
However, it’s widely expected that Toney will join Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal next season, with talks of a new contract at Brentford featuring an £80m release clause. Arsenal’s urgent need for a striker positions Toney as a prime target to lead their frontline.
A lifelong Liverpool supporter with a keen eye on Arsenal’s style of play, Toney would relish the opportunity to represent the North London side and compete in the Champions League, enhancing his chances of earning more England caps.
Santiago Gimenez:
Santiago Gimenez has been a revelation since his arrival at Feyenoord in 2022, showcasing exceptional goal-scoring prowess with 21 strikes in 27 appearances this season, including impressive hat-tricks against Ajax and Excelsior.
Despite West Ham United’s interest in January falling through, Tottenham now emerges as a serious contender for Gimenez’s signature. Manager Ange Postecoglou is a staunch admirer of the 22-year-old forward and is eager to bring him to England.
With Feyenoord setting a reasonable price tag of £42.7m for Gimenez, Tottenham could secure a bargain deal for a player enjoying the form of his life. The potential addition of Gimenez would provide an enticing alternative to Timo Werner, who arrived on loan from RB Leipzig in January but has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League.
