8 forwards who could seal transfers this summer as clubs scramble for Erling Haaland

The transfer window is about to go striker mad as the race to land Erling Haaland heats up.

The Borussia Dortmund star man is on the wishlist of all the best clubs in Europe after his lethal performances in the Bundesliga.

And with his £ 65million release clause not set to come into play next year, potential suitors are already gearing up to jump the gun and land his signature this summer.

With Kylian Mbappe’s future also hanging in the air, there is a sense of hopelessness from the European elite in the battle to sign one of the greatest talents in world football.

But they’re not the only No.9s in the market to generate interest, with clubs gearing up to miss the game’s leading duo.

Here are 8 strikers who could be on the move in the coming months.

Cristiano Ronaldo

He may be in his twilight years, but the Serie A top scorer still knows where the net is and still has a lot to offer at the top level.

Juventus are limited by Ronaldo’s exorbitant salaries and would rather offload him this summer for a fee rather than losing him for nothing.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are keen to seal the forward’s return this summer if the numbers work.

Zinedine Zidane has admitted that it “may be true” that Ronaldo could return to the Bernabeu in the future.

Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola has frequently referred to a move to Juventus, and Ronaldo’s departure could help accelerate that move if a space opens up in their squad.

Madrid will no doubt want to keep Haaland and Mbappe’s minds in mind in 2022, but Ronaldo could be a short-term fix.

Sergio aguero

The record-breaking Man City scorer appears to be in his final days at the Etihad as his contract comes to an end.

The Argentine turns 33 in June and is struggling to keep a regular spot at City, with his summer departure now scheduled.

But Aguero will not be short of offers given he will be available for free, with speculation linking him to a move to Barcelona.

Considering some of the astronomical fees touted elsewhere, it might be the window deal.

Harry kane

In the pre-Covid era, the Tottenham talisman would have been a hot property this summer, with his side struggling to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Kane first teased a move last March when he suggested he wouldn’t stay at Spurs “for fun” if they couldn’t match his ambition.

At 28 and still on the hunt for his first major trophy, time is running out for the English captain to land some silverware.

However, he appears to be linked with Tottenham for the foreseeable future on a contract that doesn’t expire until 2024.

Only a huge offer will bring Daniel Levy to the negotiating table, but there aren’t many clubs that could justify that sort of expense for a player whose peak years are numbered.

That said, Kane has plenty of admirers – one of whom is now in charge of cash-rich PSG – and he just might force Tottenham’s hand if he’s ready to leave the club.

Edinson Cavani

It’s unclear if Man Utd were considering signing another striker so soon, but their provisional acquisition of Cavani looks like it could be nothing more than a brief fling.

The Uruguayan is said to be unhappy in England, according to his father, and is considering a return to South America sooner than expected.

Boca Juniors are interested and the culmination of Cavani’s one-year deal at Old Trafford would free him to make the move.

United are keen to exercise the one-year extension of Cavani’s deal, but if he leaves there will be a void to fill.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down any suggestions for big-dollar signings during the offseason, with Kane and Haaland in the market, he may think it’s better to act sooner than later.

Romelu Lukaku

A striker reborn since leaving Man Utd, Lukaku has scored goals for fun in Italy and looks every inch of the world-class striker he has always threatened to be.

It seems crazy to think that he is still only 27 years old and that he has a chance to show his talents further in this summer at Euro, with Belgium among the favorites.

He seems happy under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, but recent reports claim Man City have a ‘genuine interest’ in having him replaced by Aguero.

The opportunity to return to the Premier League would undoubtedly please, especially with a side guaranteed to bring him trophies.

And doing it for his former club’s rivals would make things even sweeter.

Danny ings

In a shock transfer twist, Man City boss Pep Guardiola is also weighing a decision for Southampton frontman Danny Ings.

With Aguero ready to move on and City having few attacks already, Ings would represent an affordable option to tie things up until Haaland and Mbappe are closer to the exit door of their respective clubs.

City are almost certain to be in the picture for Haaland and Guardiola has done well without a No.9 in a number of appearances this season, making another making campaign hardly a problem.

Ings is involved in his own contract with Southampton which could persuade them to cash the 28-year-old, but after his frustrating time at Liverpool, would he want to play second violin at a big club again?

Patson daka

Following in Haaland’s footsteps, the man who now provides the goals for Red Bull Salzburg may be on the verge of taking the next step on the football ladder himself.

Daka, 22, has been in prolific form for the Austrian club, already scoring 27 times this season.

Naturally, this has caught the attention of top clubs, with Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City and Arsenal all supposed to monitor his progress.

The Zambian is valued at around £ 25million making him one of the steals of the summer if any clubs take the plunge.

He was quick to mention his lifelong support for Liverpool, who have strong likes with Salzburg during their negotiations for Takumi Minamino.

Lionel messi

The jewel in the crown and the man who can turn the entire transfer market upside down if he so chooses.

A while ago we all learned what a Burofax was when Messi shocked the football world by slapping a transfer request to Barcelona.

Fast forward seven months and tensions have eased considerably at Camp Nou, with the cloud slowly lifting above the club.

All notions of Messi playing this summer now seem to be dwindling day by day, as PSG and Man City have set their sights on other targets.

It would now be a surprise if Messi did not line up for Barca next season.

Again, don’t rule it out …