By Martin Graham
The pursuit of Liam Delap is over, with the 22-year-old forward joining Chelsea from Ipswich Town in a deal worth £30 million. The Conference League champions beat competition from Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton to secure Delap, making them the first Premier League side to land a high-profile striker this summer.
Despite missing out on Delap, several top-flight clubs – including Arsenal and Liverpool – remain eager to strengthen their attacking options. With the initial phase of the summer transfer period closing on 10 June and reopening briefly on 16 June, teams have until 1 September to finalize any further additions.
Among the most talked-about forwards is Hugo Ekitike, who netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 games for Eintracht Frankfurt. The 22-year-old Frenchman played a crucial role in Frankfurt’s third-place Bundesliga finish and Champions League qualification, and he has been linked with both Chelsea and Liverpool.
Serhou Guirassy enjoyed a prolific season with Borussia Dortmund, scoring 34 times in 45 appearances. The 29-year-old Guinea international finished just behind Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts and added 13 goals in the Champions League, the joint-highest in the competition. His £60.1 million release clause could tempt Premier League suitors.
Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres delivered a remarkable 54-goal season across all competitions. The 26-year-old, formerly of Coventry City, has drawn attention from Manchester United, with whom he could reunite with ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. His release clause is said to be £83.1 million.
Jean-Philippe Mateta found form at Crystal Palace, ending the campaign with 17 goals, including a strong start to 2025 and 14 in the league. The French striker featured in Palace’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City, a victory that secured a Europa League berth. Whether that achievement is enough to retain him remains to be seen.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo also stands out, contributing 20 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances. Capable of playing centrally or out wide, the Cameroon international has attracted interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle. With a year left on his contract, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has admitted the club is open to offers.
Victor Osimhen impressed during a loan spell at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals in 41 matches, including a brace against Tottenham in the Europa League. The 26-year-old remains under contract with Napoli but is reportedly being tracked by Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
In Serie A, Mateo Retegui emerged as the top scorer, registering 25 league goals and 28 overall for Atalanta. The 26-year-old also played in the Champions League and helped his team qualify for next season’s edition. Premier League sides are reportedly monitoring his situation.
Benjamin Sesko, aged 22, tallied 21 goals for RB Leipzig and has been the subject of discussions between Arsenal and the German club. Standing at 6ft 5in, the Slovenian forward signed a long-term deal last summer and is said to have a release clause exceeding £67.4 million.
Dusan Vlahovic added 15 goals in 41 appearances for Juventus, including one in a Champions League win over Manchester City. The 25-year-old Serbian, under contract until 2026, has been linked with English clubs in the past and remains a name of interest.
England international Ollie Watkins scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists for Aston Villa. Arsenal previously attempted a £40 million bid in January, and with Villa missing out on a Champions League spot due to goal difference, there could be renewed interest in the summer window.
Lastly, Yoane Wissa delivered 20 goals for Brentford, finishing among the Premier League’s top six scorers. Nottingham Forest and Tottenham were keen in January, and Brentford may face pressure to keep both Wissa and Mbeumo, especially with European football out of reach next season.
