Striker market looks thin but intriguing

The list of available centre-forwards this summer is a curious one. Fewer names than the wingers ranking, and a noticeably lower standard overall. When Taty Castellanos and Christian Kofane are among the honourable mentions, you know the pool is shallow.

Still, there are some interesting options out there. Here's a rundown of the ten best strikers reportedly on the market.

Dusan Vlahovic

Vlahovic's time at Juventus didn't go to plan. A major disappointment, really. But he's available on a free transfer, which makes him worth a look. Where he ends up is anyone's guess — Manchester United, Newcastle or Leeds have been mentioned, though Saudi Arabia feels the most likely destination for the Serbian.

Nicolas Jackson

Back at Chelsea after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, Jackson has avoided the club's latest bomb squad — for now. Some fans turn their noses up at him, but he's not that bad. Crystal Palace or PSG could be his next stop. Wherever he goes, he'll do a job.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta fell out with Palace fans after pushing for a January move that was blocked by a knee injury. He won them back by doing what strikers do: scoring goals. None bigger than the winner in the Europa Conference League final. If he leaves this summer, he goes with their blessing. If he stays, even better. But it feels like he fancies a fresh challenge.

Omar Marmoush

Marmoush hasn't played much under City's new manager — fewer than 700 Premier League minutes last season. A fresh start after Guardiola's departure might appeal. Barcelona and Aston Villa have been linked. He'd be a smart signing for the Europa League winners, offering something different as they look to push on.

Endrick

The teenager impressed on loan at Lyon in the second half of last season after struggling for game time under Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Whether that helps him break into Madrid's first team or prompts a sale remains to be seen. Either way, he's destined for greatness. Madrid will sell for the right price.

Marcus Thuram

Serie A doesn't get the attention it once did, and Thuram is a player many only see during international tournaments. He scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 44 games for Inter last season. With two years left on his contract, this summer might be the time to cash in. Arsenal have been linked in the past. His €50m Transfermarkt valuation feels fair.

Serhou Guirassy

At 30, Guirassy's age might put off some elite clubs. If they can look past it, they'll find a certified goal-scorer. Since joining Stuttgart in 2022, he's scored for fun, earning a move to Dortmund two years later. Only Dortmund believed enough to trigger his £15m release clause. He's since scored 60 goals in 96 games for them.

Eli Junior Kroupi

A genuine wonderkid. Kroupi broke the record for most goals by a teenager in their debut Premier League season, netting a crucial goal against City to help Arsenal win the title for the first time in 22 years. He's someone Arsenal should be targeting — a young French striker in the mould of Thierry Henry. With Gabriel Jesus set to leave and Viktor Gyokeres yet to set the world alight, a new striker wouldn't go amiss. Kroupi offers immediate impact and the potential to become a world-beater. Bournemouth will do well to keep him, though another year at the Vitality might be best for his development.

Victor Osimhen

Every summer, the same question: Why is nobody taking a punt on Osimhen?