With the January transfer window upon us, fans are hoping their teams invest the cash needed to address the weaknesses on the pitch to have a good second half of the season.
In many cases, that would mean spending on a striker that is going to get the goals needed to help clubs achieve their individual goals. Most Premier League clubs would like a centre-forward but finding one and getting a deal done, especially in January, is incredibly difficult.
But there are some good options out there right now who are currently playing their football outside of the Premier League. Here are five strikers playing in Europe that English clubs should be looking at and who we think each player fits best…
Victor Osimhen
Embed from Getty ImagesStarting with the most obvious name, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is probably the most in demand centre-forward in the world right now. He’s about to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and has built on last season’s excellent campaign, in which he scored 26 goals in 32 league games, by netting seven times in 13 league games this season. But his future at Napoli continues to be thrown into question having aired his frustrations at the club earlier this season for posting TikTok videos which appeared to mock him, and just recently has had a public spat with the agent of team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after he claimed that Osimhen was going to go to a Saudi club in the summer.
His combination of speed, finishing and aerial ability would make him a formidable addition to any top Premier League club but he is going to cost an enormous amount when he does move, meaning the summer is probably more likely for a deal to be done. Arsenal would love his potency in attack and they are missing someone of his calibre.
Best fit: Arsenal
Serhou Guirassy
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Stuttgart striker has quickly become known among football fans across Europe this season for his unbelievable goal-scoring record at the Bundesliga club. Having enjoyed a modest goal-scoring record up until this campaign, the 27-year-old has been in electric form since signing for the club in the summer, netting 17 times in 14 league games for a Stuttgart side, who have surprised many by currently sitting third in the table.
While there is a risk involved with signing him because of the smaller sample size in which he has showcased this kind of form, there is enough there to suggest this can continue for a while longer. He loves to play on the shoulder of the defender and combined with his confidence and composure in front of goal, he has become an elite goalscorer. Guirassy would suit Tottenham’s open, attacking style of play very well.
Best fit: Tottenham
Santiago Gimenez
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 22-year-old of Feyernood has been in excellent form this season, netting 18 times in 16 league games for the Eredivisie club and his killer instinct in front of goal was crucial to his side winning the league title last season, scoring 15 goals in a memorable campaign. He has gotten even better this season and at just 22, is one of the most exciting young forwards in world football today.
He is very much a penalty box striker in the truest sense of the world, not really getting involved in the build-up play but doing a fantastic job of occupying defenders in their own box and coming alive when the ball is crossed or played into the box, especially in the air. Chelsea have got plenty of creators but not enough finishers and Gimenez could be the missing link.
Best fit: Chelsea
Lautaro Martinez
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Inter Milan striker has long been one of the most potent strikers in Europe but has taken his game to new levels this season, scoring 18 goals in 24 games in all competitions. The World Cup winner is not just a goalscorer but a complete forward too. He provides key passes for other team-mates and his high work-rate off the ball is a valuable attribute, as his speed and skill with the ball at his feet. He doesn’t just need chances created for him, he can create for himself and others.
The 26-year-old is a terrific centre-forward but already plays for a top club in Inter Milan, who look favourites to win the Serie A this season, and would cost a huge amount of money if any deal were to happen. If he does leave Inter, however, the club buying him would be getting one of the world’s top strikers. Man Utd should be looking at him as someone that can get them back to where they want to be in the future.
Best fit: Manchester United
Artem Dovbyk
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Girona man has hit the ground running since he signed for his new club last summer. The Ukrainian’s 11 goals and five assists in 18 league games have been instrumental in the Spanish side’s unlikely title challenge. He is a real handful for opposition defenders thanks to his excellent physical attributes, possessing the size, strength and speed to cause all sorts of problems and is an excellent focal point at the top end of the pitch, making life difficult for defenders which in turn has helped his team to thrive as well as delivering the end product needed from your centre-forward. West Ham need another striker and Dovbyk’s attributes suit David Moyes’ team perfectly.
Best fit: West Ham
