MU, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in transfer battle for world’s best strikers| All Football

AS the Premier League season comes to a close - the summer transfer sales open with strikers top of the shopping list.

Champions Liverpool look to be in the market for a forward while Arsenal will feel that is the missing piece holding them back from a title charge.

Chelsea's pursuit for a No9 never seems to end and once again they head into the summer looking for a reliable finisher.

And Manchester United - who finished in an all-time low 15th in the Prem - are preparing for a complete squad overhaul.

It will put every striker worth their salt in Europe on red alert with a big-money move awaiting any capable scorer.

Viktor Gyokeres

The 26-year-old Swede is one of the most in-demand forwards this summer - with the stats proving why.

Gyokeres has notched 54 goals in 52 games, scoring 39 in just 33 league matches.

Arsenal are leading the race for the 6ft 2in striker, who Sporting Lisbon rate at £60million, with talks progressing.

United are also interested and Gyokeres was coached by Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting.

But Arsenal as well as Chelsea are in stronger positions having qualified for Champions League football.

The son of Stoke legend Rory looks almost certain to leave Ipswich following the Tractor Boys' relegation.

And per his release clause, Delap is available for a cut-price deal of £30m with Chelsea and United rivalling for his signature.

The 22-year-old ended the season with 12 goals - all in the league - and impressed with his physicality and tenacity.

Both Chelsea and United have held talks with the player, but as revealed by SunSport the Blues are confident in landing the deal.

Enzo Maresca worked with Delap at City's academy and the striker knows Chelsea's recruitment director Joe Shields.

The Nigerian was once the most sought-after striker in the world after making his name with Napoli and helping them win the Serie A.

But by the summer of 2024, new manager Antonio Conte dropped Osimhen in favour of Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea were close to signing the forward but Osimhen's wages proved a stumbling block - one which could not be resolved.

So the 26-year-old joined Galatasaray on loan and helped them to the title with 25 league goals in 29 games, ending the season scoring 36 in 40.

That kind of form would attract attention from Europe's elite but Osimhen looks set for a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.

The 6ft 5in Slovenian is a top target for Arsenal, who have Sesko and Gyokeres on their wishlist.

Sesko has 21 goals in 45 games this season - scoring 13 in 33 league matches.

Noted for his height, heading ability and strength, the 21-year-old is seen as a good suit for English football.

As revealed by SunSport, Sesko is rated as high as £86m by RB Leipzig but an offer of £60m could be enough.

Chelsea are also interested - but have seen Timo Werner and Christian Nkunku arrive from Leipzig and fail to live up to expectations.

Meanwhile United have also been tracking Sesko but are believed to have other targets - including Delap - prioritised.

The Frenchman, 22, joined Frankfurt permanently from PSG last summer after spending the season beforehand on loan with the German club.

Ekitike scored 22 in 48 games this term, managing 15 in 33 league matches.

He stands 6ft 3in and has attracted attention from Chelsea of late, having also been linked with United and Arsenal in the past.

But Frankfurt are holding out for £83.9m - meaning the Blues would likely try to strike a compromise with the Bundesliga outfit.

Although the likes of Gyokeres, Delap and Sesko are all believed to be higher on Chelsea's wishlist.

The Argentine won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with City before joining Atletico Madrid last summer.

Alvarez has 29 goals in 54 games this season with 17 coming in his 37 league appearances.

The 25-year-old appears settled in the Spanish capital but has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal and Liverpool.

But reports in Spain say Alvarez is not so keen on a move back to England having found his feet with Atletico.

The Italian has Prem experience with Everton which was lodged between loan moves to PSG and Juventus.

He joined Juve in 2023 and moved to Fiorentina a year later - scoring 25 goals in 44 games - 19 in 32 league matches this season.

United are believed to have added the 25-year-old to their transfer shortlist.

And the forward could emerge as an alternate signing for United if they struggle to land their top targets amid a lack of European football.

Arsenal and Newcastle have also been linked in the past.