From Osimhen to Sesko, assessing top striker transfer targets

The January transfer closes on Feb. 3 and some of football's biggest clubs -- including many in the Premier League -- are still struggling to find the central striker who can score the goals to transform their season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said his team need more goals to become title winners, while Manchester United are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League with a negative goal difference due to a group of forwards who are nowhere near to hitting double figures so far this season.

But where are the prolific No. 9s capable of making the difference at the biggest clubs?

Manchester City's decision to hand Erling Haaland a 9½-year contract highlights the lack of proven goal scorers in the game who have the ability and character to deliver at the top clubs. So, with several clubs in need of goals, Tor-Kristian Karlsen and Mark Ogden have taken on the role of sporting director to identify the best options out there -- and potential gambles that might make all the difference -- and devise some "best case," video-game scenarios that won't happen because they make too much sense.

TIER 1: Elite players who will make a difference

VICTOR OSIMHEN

Age: 26
Club: Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli until end of 2024-25 season
Form this season: 15 goals, six assists in 19 games (all competitions)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €75m
Contract expires: June 30, 2027

What you need to know: One of the elite goal scorers in European football in recent years, Osimhen possesses a captivating skillset for a frontman. He never tires of making sharp movements behind the centre-backs, and his finishing capabilities mean he can score from a range of angles, positions and distances. Also, when not in possession, he stretches defences with his runs. Physically, Osimhen sports the almost perfect profile for a No. 9: sharp and athletic, he moves smoothly, with a darting acceleration few can match, and has an impressive vertical leap. There's little doubt that Osimhen exudes the aura of a top star. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Sources have said Manchester United would consider a move for Osimhen if the Nigeria international's season-long loan at Galatasaray could be transferred to another club during the January window, but the 26-year-old's parent team, Napoli, would likely consider such a prospect only if it meant a permanent transfer. That would rule United out. With Osimhen under contract at Napoli until June 2027, and a reported release clause coming into play in the summer, there would be no inexpensive option to do a deal.

However, with Napoli rivalling Chelsea for United winger Alejandro Garnacho this month, creative negotiating could open up the prospect of a deal for Osimhen. A permanent deal for Osimhen is not a priority for United, however. They simply need a goal scorer to get through until the end of the season, so unless Osimhen could be signed on loan -- United bought out Wout Weghorst's loan at Besiktas from Burnley two years ago -- it's a nonstarter for United.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Chelsea both need a striker, but both teams opted against a move for Osimhen last summer. -- Ogden

Video game solution: The dream scenario would be a loan move to United that sees him score 10-15 goals and earn a permanent deal at Old Trafford. The player would get a Premier League move, and United would get their genuine scorer. -- Ogden

BENJAMIN SESKO

Age: 21
Club: RB Leipzig
Form this season: 14 goals, three assists in 26 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €50m
Contract expires: June 30, 2029

What you need to know: Long considered one of the top centre-forward prodigies of his generation by scouts and insiders, the Slovenia international has gone from the signs of promise in his debut Bundesliga season to becoming a regular threat this campaign (14 goals in 26 appearances, all competitions). The 6-foot-5 forward is first and foremost recognised for his outstanding finishing, and strikes the ball with a precision and venom. He's also surprisingly quick for his height once he hits top speed. At 21, Sesko can improve his link-up game, which would transform him from a poacher to an all-around No. 9.

Sesko does tend to score in streaks -- he's currently on one, with seven goals in his past eight matches -- but his unproductive periods are becoming fewer and shorter. He's destined for a powerhouse team. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Arsenal looked closely at Sesko last summer and for a time, he seemed destined to leave Leipzig for the Emirates before signing a new contract. But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had misgivings about the 21-year-old's readiness to make an instant impact in the Premier League, and the transfer fizzled out.

Man United have also held a long-standing interest in the player, dating back to his time at FC Salzburg, but opted to sign Rasmus Højlund for €75m in the summer of 2023 when it became clear that there would be no feasible prospect of buying out Leipzig's deal to sign Sesko from their partner club. A move this month for Sesko had seemed unlikely, but with Leipzig already eliminated from the Champions League, a big offer could persuade the club to offload him before the deadline -- if they decide that the financial benefits outweigh the value in keeping him for the rest of the season to ensure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. -- Ogden

Video game solution: A move to Arsenal could be transformative for the Gunners' hopes of success, and with injuries guaranteeing him a starting spot, Sesko would have the chance to make a big impact. -- Ogden

VIKTOR GYÖKERES

Age: 26
Club: Sporting CP
Form this season: 34 goals, six assists in 32 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €75m
Contract expires: June 30, 2028

What you need to know: The Sweden striker has reached legendary status at Sporting CP thanks to his superb goal scoring. Just 1½ years since joining the club, he has found the net 77 times in 82 appearances (all competitions); throw in 22 assists, and it makes for a remarkable record.

Gyökeres finds space brilliantly, while his finishing leaves little room for dithering or hesitation. He picks his spot and applies an adjusting touch if needed before executing the finish with power and precision. Away from the box, Gyökeres links up well with his midfielders and full-backs and, when venturing wide, he also has the tricks and burst of pace to beat opponents before attacking the goal with full conviction. Given his reported €100m release clause (or €75m valuation), his suitors are almost exclusively in the Premier League. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Arsenal's interest in Gyökeres last summer was lukewarm, with the club focusing more heavily on Sesko, and it is unlikely that they will make a late move this month. Had United been in a position to pay the 26-year-old's release clause in Lisbon, it's likely that a deal would already have been done to reunite him with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

United are desperate for a goal threat, and Amorim knows that Gyökeres is the perfect focal point for his 3-4-2-1 formation. But United don't have the money and there is zero chance of a loan deal, so this is a deal that is likely to have to wait until the summer -- if Amorim is able to ride out the storm at Old Trafford and avoid any prospect of United losing faith in his ability to revive the club. -- Ogden

Video game solution: United offload Marcus Rashford for a fee (very unlikely) and Alejandro Garnacho for €60m to then reinvest some of the funds in Gyökeres, who becomes a modern-day goal-scoring talisman version of Robin van Persie at Old Trafford. -- Ogden

OLLIE WATKINS

Age: 29
Club: Aston Villa
Form this season: 10 goals, seven assists in 30 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €55m
Contract expires: June 30, 2028

What you need to know: Though he has already taken his Premier League account into double figures this season, a sense of frustration has emerged around the England forward. There's the obvious competition from the emerging 21-year-old Jhon Durán to contest Watkins' status as an undisputed regular, and there's an uncharacteristic indecisiveness in crucial moments that has troubled him periodically. While one should not doubt his ability to bounce back -- after all, he has scored 10 goals this season (from an xG of 11.52) and has been one of the most consistent marksmen in the Premier League in recent years -- some signs might indicate that the moment is ripe for a big club to move for him. And with Watkins at 29, it might also be the right time for Villa to offload him. Few would bet against the pacey, persistent and well-balanced centre-forward serving as an instant fix for goal-scoring predicaments elsewhere. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? The chances of Watkins leaving Villa Park this month are practically zero, but his situation is worth monitoring. The England forward made it clear after the recent Premier League draw at Arsenal, when he scored a second-half equaliser, that he has grown frustrated with coach Unai Emery's use of him and reluctance to pair him alongside Durán in a front two. Watkins spoke of his unhappiness at being regularly substituted late in games "when I score goals," so if that continues, he could become a target for clubs in the summer.

With three years remaining on his contract, Watkins could make a move this summer. -- Ogden

Video game solution: As with Sesko, Watkins to Arsenal would be a deal that could suit both parties. It might be the Gunners' final piece in the jigsaw puzzle. -- Ogden

TIER 2: Intriguing options, with caveats

JONATHAN DAVID

Age: 25
Club: Lille
Form this season: 18 goals, seven assists in 31 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €45m
Contract expires: June 30, 2025

What you need to know: One of the most productive forwards in Ligue 1 over the past five seasons (with 0.5 goals per game), the Canada international has scored 18 goals this season (eight penalties) and has proved himself in the Champions League, too, with goals against powerhouses such as Juventus, Liverpool and both Madrid sides.

So why is David still at Lille with merely five months to run on his contract? One likely explanation is that he's an old-school "second striker" (or free-roaming forward) rather than a trademark No. 9. That doesn't make him any of a lesser footballer, but it does raise questions among suitors about whether he could genuinely operate as the focal point in attack or whether he'd end up being an inverted winger. With his change of pace, incisive moments, and quick execution technique, however, David could play a pivotal role as a squad player for a bigger club than Lille. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with David, but his style doesn't quite fit either team. That said, he scores goals and would be relatively inexpensive because his contract at Lille is due to expire at the end of this season. David might want to wait until the summer and exploit his free-agent status, but if a major team make a move before the deadline, it could suit Lille, the player and the interested club, who would be signing him for a knockdown fee. -- Ogden

Video game solution: Liverpool have been the smartest club in recruitment for some time, and a move for David would be in keeping with their astute signings while enabling them to phase out Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa. -- Ogden

MATHEUS CUNHA

Age: 25
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Form this season: 10 goals, four assists in 22 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €50m
Contract expires: June 30, 2027

What you need to know: Strictly speaking, the Brazil attacker is not an out-and-out centre-forward. Earlier in his career, he featured as an attacking midfielder, a No. 10 or even as an inverted winger on the left. For Wolves, he's thriving slightly tucked in off the left wing, allowing him to commence his runs from the left side for a right-footed finish.

Given his size, spatial appreciation, elevated ability to set up combinational exchanges and knack for goal scoring, Cunha could tempt you into thinking he's a No. 9 -- or a "false" one, at the very least. He has reached double figures in a struggling Wolves side this season and his powerful forward bursts with the ball are extremely valuable for the team especially in the transitional phase. His strong runs often culminate in goal-scoring opportunities or fouls -- he has been fouled 40 times this season, which is in the top five percentile -- in dangerous attacking areas. What's more, Cunha also carries the assertiveness and vibes of a star performer made for a top club. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Wolves know they have growing Premier League interest in signing Cunha from Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Arsenal, but sources have told ESPN that the Molineux hierarchy have no intention of offloading the 25-year-old this month. The former Atletico Madrid forward is under contract with Wolves until June 2027, making a move in the summer seem inevitable for a player who has done so well at the club since leaving LaLiga.

With two Midlands rivals in the race to sign Cunha, and Arsenal hovering in the background, Wolves' determination to hold on to the player might prove to be little more than a bargaining tactic designed to increase his transfer fee. Yet losing their leading scorer while in the middle of a relegation battle could be too much of a risk. -- Ogden

Video game solution: Cunha stays at Wolves, keeps them in the Premier League and seals a big-money move away from Molineux this summer. -- Ogden

JHON DURAN

Age: 21
Club: Aston Villa
Form this season: 12 goals in 28 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €40m
Contract expires: June 30, 2030

What you need to know: Arguably one of the breakout stars of the season, the Colombia international has made such an impact that he now rivals Watkins for the centre-forward role at Aston Villa. Sure, there are still areas to improve; his first touch can let him down (through pure enthusiasm rather than technical deficiency), he often shoots when there's a better option with the pass, mostly only thrives when the game opens up, and is slightly selfish. Yet Duran possesses so much potential that the sky is the limit. His movement is already exceptional, just as his positional appreciation inside the box is of a standard usually associated with more-experienced marksmen.

While his frequent shooting (four-plus per 90 minutes) can be a nuisance for his teammates, it's the trait of a genuine goal scorer -- he has the powerful left-footed shot to go with it -- and an edge you don't want to remove from a 21-year-old. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Villa rejected a £57m offer from West Ham to sign the Colombia forward earlier this month, and sources said there is also interest in Duran from Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. Having signed him from Chicago Fire for just £18m in January 2023, Villa stand to make a huge profit if they sanction a move, but the calculation at Villa Park is based on his age and likely development weighed against the age (29) and transfer value of Watkins.

The smarter long-term move would be to retain Duran and offload Watkins, but if Al Nassr make a substantial offer, or if West Ham return with a bigger bid at some point, Villa will be facing a deal they cannot refuse. -- Ogden

Video game solution: Stay at Villa and become the club's No. 1 striker over the next 12 months. -- Ogden

JOAO PEDRO

Age: 23
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Form this season: Five goals and five assists in 16 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €50m
Contract expires: June 30, 2028

What you need to know: In the general absence of classic No. 9s, the Brighton forward could pose a fascinating alternative for clubs in the market for a versatile, multifaceted attacker. While the Brazil international might not yet be a complete presence in that central position, his finishing skills are developing and his speed, dribbling, creativity and power render him capable of creating chances even without support.

Joao Pedro is also smart without the ball, often dropping deep to create space or help build the attacks from the defensive half. None of this prevents him from pushing into the attacking box. This season, he has averaged 6.5 touches in the opposing penalty area per 90 minutes, which leaves him well inside the top 10 percentile for Premier League forward and he has also set up five goals this campaign. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? This one should be bracketed in the "nothing to see here" category. Joao Pedro has done well at Brighton and has prompted the interest of Liverpool, but there is no suggestion the Premier League leaders will make a move during the January window. With youngster Evan Ferguson struggling for form and fitness at the Amex Stadium -- he might yet leave on loan this month -- and Danny Welbeck needing careful rotation given his age (34) and injury history, there is virtually no chance of Brighton offloading Joao Pedro unless they receive a huge fee. And that isn't going to happen. -- Ogden

Video game solution: Stay at Brighton and take the step up to a major club this summer. -- Ogden

TIER 3: Long-shot options with opportunity, risk

DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN

Age: 27
Club: Everton
Form this season: Three goals, one assist in 21 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €22m
Contract expires: June 30, 2025

What you need to know: You have to travel back five years to find the then-England centre-forward's heyday. His productivity has undeniably dried up since then, but in his defence, he hasn't always enjoyed abundant supply in a struggling Everton side. Yet, he's a pure No. 9 -- there aren't many out there -- and with an expiring contract, he can speak to foreign clubs as he pleases this month. As he approaches 270 appearances (66 goals) for Everton, Calvert-Lewin is just 27 with plenty of games left in him.

It's not inconceivable that several top managers are pondering whether they could get his career back on track, even if just as a backup option. His pace is good enough to threaten in behind, he leads the line and presses avidly, he jumps well and attacks the ball well in the air. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Juventus have been watching Calvert-Lewin and considering a move at the end of the season, when he will become a free agent. But there is a chance that Everton could do business this month in order to avoid losing him for nothing in six months' time. The risk for Everton is that they would be without their only proven, if unreliable, goal scorer while they continue to battle against relegation.

If Everton manager David Moyes was able to find a replacement, Calvert-Lewin could move this month despite his chequered fitness record. Many clubs have looked at him in the not-too-distant past, including Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United and, if he stays fit, he could be a very good signing for a club in need of goals. -- Ogden

Video game solution: Man United, short on money and goals, could do worse than strike a deal for Calvert-Lewin. He is much better than their existing options and could be a low-budget Gyökeres for Amorim before United sign the real thing in the summer. -- Ogden

SANTIAGO GIMENEZ

Age: 23
Club: Feyenoord
Form this season: 15 goals and three assists in 18 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €37m
Contract expires: June 30, 2027

What you need to know: The Mexico international has been linked with a move away from Feyenoord practically since the day he arrived from Cruz Azul in summer 2022. There's not a European powerhouse that haven't sent scouts to check him out, but the recurring dilemma has always been around how his goals in the striker-friendly Dutch Eredivisie would translate in a more competitive league. That said, it'd be hard to ask more from Gimenez; he has scored a hat trick away at Ajax, beaten Luis Suárez's record for goals in a calendar year (31 in 2023) and scored six goals from eight UEFA Champions League outings (including two against Bayern last week).

Linked with a €40m move to Milan, the left-footed Gimenez doesn't cover vast areas in the build-up phase but generally comes to life when approaching the attacking box. Most of his goals originate from crosses, cut-backs or short dashing movements behind the opposing centre-backs. A true poacher who plays with high concentration and intensity. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? AC Milan are the most likely club to sign Gimenez this month, but attempts to raise funds by offloading fringe players have so far been unsuccessful and Feyenoord's surprise progress in the Champions League could be enough for the Dutch club to reject an offer for him during this window. Last week's 3-0 win against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam, when Gimenez scored twice, secured a playoff spot for Feyenoord, and they can still jump into the top eight and a guaranteed round-of-16 place if they beat Lille on Matchday 8 this week.

Having exceeded expectations in the Champions League, Feyenoord have banked more prize money than they would have budgeted for, meaning they can hold off on moving on a player whose contract runs until June 2027. -- Ogden

Video game solution: Gimenez is making a name for himself in the Champions League, so he should sit tight, keep scoring and seal a bigger move in the summer. -- Ogden

RASMUS HOJLUND

Age: 21
Club: Manchester United
Form this season: Seven goals and one assist in 27 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €60m
Contract expires: June 30, 2028

What you need to know: Parting ways with Manchester United after just a year-and-a-half, before he has turned 22, would be a major defeat for the club. He was intended as a statement signing -- the Denmark international was said to embody a new, potential-driven transfer policy at Old Trafford akin to Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea -- but an early exit could reduce the odds of him blossoming elsewhere.

After a promising enough first season (10 Premier League goals), Højlund has looked increasingly dejected at Old Trafford. While the issue of working within a disjointed attack persists, manager Amorim's patience in low-scoring centre-forwards won't last forever. At his best, though, Højlund can exhilarate the crowd with his tremendous penetrative power or provide telling contributions for his teammates. Those moments have been few and far between.

Another challenge for Højlund is that he's unable to express his previously fine link-up game as he struggles to get on the ball. And when he does, his service or touch are often sloppy. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Despite signing Højlund for an initial €75m from Atalanta in summer 2023, United are prepared to offload the 21-year-old if they receive a suitable offer, either in this window or at the end of the season. Having struggled to look anything like a Premier League striker at Old Trafford, however, United are facing a big loss if he does move. Interest is limited, but AC Milan and Juventus could both move for the youngster if they fail to land their preferred options.

Although his time at United has been relatively unimpressive, Højlund's reputation in Italy remains healthy because of the potential he showed at Atalanta. There is also some interest from the German Bundesliga. But heading into the final week of the window, United aren't being overwhelmed by offers. -- Ogden

Video game solution: A move to Brentford, maybe in exchange for Bryan Mbeumo, could be a creative solution for all parties. Højlund could develop away from the Old Trafford spotlight under a top coach in Thomas Frank and Mbeumo, whose contract expires in June 2026, could give United a proven goal scorer. -- Ogden

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE

Age: 23
Club: Manchester United
Form this season: Four goals and three assists in 32 games (all comps)
Transfer value, per Transfermarkt: €42m
Contract expires in: June 30, 2029

What you need to know: In theory, the Netherlands international looked an enticing signing for United when he arrived for €42.5m from Bologna in the summer. Young, and with a positive trajectory, Zirkzee was trying to build on a stellar reputation from Serie A. The reality has turned out differently.

Initially, there was a case for allowing him time to adapt to the frenzied nature of the Premier League. After six months, however, he still struggles when defenders close him down aggressively, often losing the ball, and when dealing with the physicality of holding up possession. As of now, there are few signs that he's getting any nearer the intensity and assertiveness required for a Man United forward.

Though more of a No. 9½ than an outright targetman No. 9, there is a fine, technically gifted footballer in there despite his travails. But as a "playmaker" in the final third, it's unlikely Zirkzee will ever become the high-scoring striker that United crave. -- Karlsen

Which clubs are interested? Zirkzee has been another recruitment failure at United, with sources saying that his move was justified by impressive statistical data for the Serie A team. That data has not translated into reality at Old Trafford, and Zirkzee is now available for transfer.

United won't allow both Zirkzee and Højlund to leave in the same window, but with the two players attracting interest from the same clubs, it could be a race to the exit door, especially if United are able to sign someone more experienced and reliable. -- Ogden

Video game solution: The Premier League is too quick for Zirkzee, so his best hope is a move to Germany or back to Italy. -- Ogden