European Giants Circle Osimhen, Gyokeres, and Sesko in Striker Hunt

As the 2025 summer transfer window heats up, three prolific strikers Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Šeško have emerged as prime targets for Europe’s elite clubs. While their styles, strengths, and situations vary, each brings a potent blend of talent and value that makes securing their signature a complex task. PUNCH Sports Extra’s Pedro Peter analyses the trio.

Victor Osimhen
After four seasons at Napoli, Victor Osimhen appears to be on the move again — and not without drama. The Nigerian forward, who joined the Italian side from Lille in 2020 for around €75m, enjoyed a productive spell in Serie A, consistently scoring in double digits. His standout season came in 2022/23, when he netted 26 league goals to power Napoli to their first Scudetto in over three decades under Luciano Spalletti.

But the relationship between Osimhen and Napoli soured by mid-2024, prompting a loan switch to Turkish champions Galatasaray. There, the Super Eagles striker rediscovered his scoring touch, racking up 37 goals and eight assists in 41 games to lead the club to a league and cup double. His performances earned him the Süper Lig Golden Boot and strong interest from multiple clubs.

Despite receiving a staggering €50m-a-year offer from Saudi side Al Hilal, Osimhen turned it down, signaling a desire to remain at the highest level of European competition. His career tally now stands at 151 club goals in 264 appearances, along with 26 international goals for Nigeria in 41 caps.

Viktor Gyökeres
Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres has been nothing short of sensational since his move from Coventry City to Sporting CP in 2023. Under then-manager Rúben Amorim, he hit the ground running, scoring 54 goals in all competitions in his debut season. He replicated the feat in 2024/25 with another 54-goal haul, including 39 in league action, while also contributing 13 and seven assists respectively across those campaigns.

The 27-year-old is known for his physical presence, tireless running, and ability to drift wide to create space — traits that have seen him win consecutive Primeira Liga Golden Boots and the Taça de Portugal. However, his future at the Estádio José Alvalade is uncertain.

A falling-out with Sporting president Frederico Varandas over a broken transfer agreement has led to tension. Gyökeres, reportedly upset that a previously agreed €70m release deal was ignored, has refused to report to pre-season training. The club now insists it will not accept any bid below €80m.

Across his career, the Swede has accumulated 182 goals and 50 assists at club level and has found the net 15 times in 26 appearances for Sweden.

Benjamin Šeško
At just 21, Benjamin Šeško continues to rise through the ranks of Europe’s top striking prospects. Since joining RB Leipzig from sister club RB Salzburg in 2023, the Slovenian forward has impressed with his physicality and intelligence. Standing at 6ft 5in, he blends aerial dominance with link-up play, making him a versatile modern striker.

Šeško registered 21 goals in 45 games during the 2024/25 season — not quite matching the prolific output of Osimhen or Gyökeres, but his potential is undeniable. His current goal-per-90 ratio stands at 0.42, eclipsing his expected goals rate of 0.32, showcasing his efficiency in front of goal.

The Slovenian has notched 100 goals and 26 assists across youth and senior club levels. Since his national team debut in 2021, he’s scored 16 times in 41 matches.

Leipzig, however, are reluctant to part ways with their young star and have reportedly set a high asking price. Arsenal are among the clubs keen, but the Premier League side has so far hesitated due to the financial demands, though a fee in the region of €75m could still clinch a deal.

In an era where strikers are expected to do more than just score, Osimhen, Gyökeres, and Šeško represent the evolving mould of the modern-day forward — a blend of physicality, tactical intelligence, and technical precision. For any club with deep enough pockets, acquiring one of these marksmen could prove a game-changer.