Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have had their summer transfer plans dealt a huge blow after in-demand striker Benjamin Sesko’s decision to renew his contract with RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs but will instead sign an improved deal to remain with the Bundesliga club next season.
The latest development will now leave clubs searching elsewhere for a striker to reinvigorate their hopes of chasing down Manchester City next campaign.
Here, Metro Sport takes a look at five alternative strikers that all three clubs could turn their attention towards this summer.
Ivan Toney
Despite a mixed end to the season since returning from his eight-month gambling ban, Toney remains a sought-after striker this summer.
The 32 goals scored in his first two Premier League seasons present a snapshot of his capabilities when playing an entire season and his return could only increase when placed in a better side.
Toney’s all-round ability and physical presence are attributes all three sides are in desperate need of and the the 28-year-old will have a chance to put himself in the shop window once more after being selected in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the 2024 Euros.
Having held out for a figure of around £80 million to sell their prized asset in January, Brentford will have to lower their asking price this summer, with Toney having just 12 months left on his contract.
Alexander Isak
Despite missing ten games through injury, Isak finished the season as Newcastle’s top scorer with an impressive return of 25 goals in all competitions for the Magpies.
The 24-year-old’s pace and versatility out wide make him a strong candidate for any top club, but there may be reservations about the fee required to secure his services.
Newcastle’s well-documented profit and sustainability concerns mean the club may be forced to relinquish one of their top talents this summer.
However, the club have also been clear that a fee over £100 million would be required for the Swede, a figure that may prove too steep for clubs looking for multiple big signings this window.
Viktor Gyokeres
Some fans of English football will already be accustomed to Gyokeres’ exploits after his three seasons spent at Coventry.
However, the Swedish striker is now on the radar of Europe’s elite after a barnstorming debut campaign at Sporting which saw him rack up 29 goals and ten assists in 33 games.
The sought-after ex-Coventry man has a €100m (£86m) release clause in his contract and cast doubt over his future at the Portuguese club following the end of the season.
A physical striker, Gyokeres’ lethal finishing and all-around playmaking capabilities will no doubt make him an attractive proposition for those considering stumping up the money to match his release clause.
Dominic Solanke
Solanke’s talent has been evident since his Golden Ball award in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. And yet, it feels like only last season the Englishman began to fulfil his long-mooted potential.
With 19 goals in the league last season, the Bournemouth striker is a far cry from the talent academy graduate Liverpool snapped up in 2017 and may present an intriguing acquisition for any of the top clubs.
Playing the best football of his career under the tutelage of Andoni Iraola’s press-heavy tactics, Solanke’s tactical nous and physical attributes could make him a shrewd pickup.
A release fee of £60m for certain clubs is reported to be in the 26-year-old’s contract at Bournemouth, meaning he could also represent decent value as well as a proven track record in the Premier League.
Serhou Guirassy
Premier League clubs have often endured a mixed record when it comes to transfers from the Bundesliga in recent years, but Guirassy’s cut-price fee could make him worth the risk.
After the best season of his career, which saw him finish second only to Harry Kane in the race for the Bundesliga Golden Boot, the 28-year-old has attracted plenty of interest from clubs throughout Europe.
The Guinea International’s release clause sits at a measly £15m, representing supreme value for a striker who has remodelled his game in recent seasons to become even more of a complete forward.
At 28, Guirassy is not young, but the appeal of getting a striker in the prime of their career for such a low price may be too strong for one of these clubs to turn down.
