10 strikers EPL clubs should be targeting

There appears to be a desperate need for high quality strikers among the English Premier League’s biggest clubs so we've come up with 10 forwards these side's should be looking at to hit the back of the net... without breaking the bank.

Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring for Lyon. (Getty) Source: Getty Images

With Robin van Persie making himself quite welcome in Istanbul, Manchester United needs cover for, and probably a second option to, Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool has failed to fill the void that Luis Suarez left, going from 101 goals a season to just 52 last season - with confidence deteriorating in injury-prone Daniel Sturridge.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said that the Gunners will not win the Premier League with Olivier Giroud as their main striker.

Manchester City could also be on the hunt for reinforcements after going from 102 goals when it won the league in 2014 to 83 last season when it finished second.

Attackers within the Premier League can be notoriously expensive, demonstrated by Raheem Sterling’s $102 million move to Manchester City from Liverpool or Christian Benteke’s price tag of $69 million to move away from Aston Villa.

EPL teams are constantly on the hunt for an affordable, high-quality striker. Michu, who signed for Swansea City in 2012 from Rayo Vallecano for just $3 million and scored 22 goals in his first season, is a prime example.

So who are the top 10 targets EPL clubs should be looking at?

10. Jonathas de Jesus (Elche, on loan from Pescara) – $9 million

The Primera Liga’s deal of the season for 2014-2015 with 14 goals and seven assists in 34 games.

The 26 year-old was decisive in dragging cash-strapped Elche away from relegation.

However, due to financial troubles for the Spanish club the Brazilian is keen for a move away, with Monaco and Celtic reportedly interested.

9. Bas Dost (Wolfsburg) – $9.6 million

The 196cm Dutchman started last season as Wolfsburg's third-choice striker but finished it with 18 goals in 23 starts - including a run of 11 goals in six games after the winter break.

Newcastle United and Southampton are reportedly circling for the 26 year-old Netherlands international, who averages a goal with every second shot.

8. Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen) – $11 million

Remember him? The Argentine was signed at 18 by Chelsea for $7 million in 2008, then loaned out to Blackburn Rovers before being sold on to Wigan Athletic in 2010.

Di Santo failed to impress while in England, however now 26, he’s resurrected his career with Werder Bremen, scoring 14 goals in 28 starts last season.

7. Wissam Ben Yedder (Toulouse) – $12 million

Playing in a supporting role, Wissam Ben Yedder has shown remarkable consistency for Toulouse, scoring 15, 16 and 14 goals in the last three seasons respectively.

Sevilla is said to be keen on the 24 year-old who can play also play as a number 9 or on the right-wing.

6. Luuk de Jong (PSV) – $12 million

English teams may be wary of DutcLuuk de Jong, who had an unsuccessful loan spell at Newcastle United at the start of 2014.

However, the now 24 year-old has many talking with 24 goals and 11 assists in 38 starts for PSV, helping the Eindhoven club to the Eredivisie title.

5. Nolito (Celta Vigo) – $15 million

The Spain striker has shown he’s just as good scoring as he is setting goals up with 13 goals and 13 assists last season – the most assists of any Primera Liga player who doesn’t play for one the two giants.

At 28, Nolito is in the prime of his career and perfect for any team looking to strengthen its left side.

4. Aleksander Mitrovic (Anderlecht) – $16 million

The 20 year-old Serbian striker was the top scorer in the Belgian top flight last season with 28 goals in 51 games.

The Anderlecht forward may be young but shows all the signs of being a classic number 9 - remember those?

3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – $28 million

Arsenal fans will remember him after he scored the second goal in Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 win over the Gunners in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Arsene Wenger is said to be keen on the 26 year-old, considered one of the fastest players in world football.

It’s not only his pace, the Gabon front man managed 19 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances.

2. Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan) – $47 million

The 22 year-old Argentine produced an impressive 22 goals in the notoriously defensive Serie A last season for Inter Milan.

Schooled in the Barcelona youth-system, Icardi combines his physical strength with exquisite technique.

Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly interested.

1. Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) – $44 million

Lacazette was Ligue 1’s top goalscorer last season with a phenomenal 31 goals and six assists in all competitions.

At 24, the Lyon striker is an ideal signing with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all believed to be after him.