World Transfer Rumors: Top 12 Strikers Linked to EPL Clubs

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Last season the English Premier League Golden Boot winner's were Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez for a total of 20 goals each. In 2009-10 the Golden Boot went to Didier Drogba on 29 goals. The 2008-09 season was low at 19 goals for Nicolas Anelka, and lastly 2007-08 went to Cristiano Ronaldo on 31 strikes.

With that said this coming season would look to be an upturn season with someone scoring at least 25 plus at the top of the scoring charts. However, to do that a team has to posses the player with the firepower to get him to the pinnacle of the EPL goal scoring accolades.

This transfer window has seen what seems like the majority of its speculation spent on midfielders and wide players as teams look to build avenues to their front men. None the less in some cases the strikers have gotten lost in the vast swarms of rumors and feverish midfield pursuits.

In consideration of such developments, it seems only right to take a look at the world class out and out strikers that have been linked with moves to the premier league this summer that are yet to make a move to the Queens Isle.

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Andre Ayew

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André Ayew of Marseille has been on the radar for several British teams so far this summer. His 37 appearances for the French Ligue 1 side saw his score 11 goals and provide three assists in their route to a second place finish after failing to defend their title from 2009-10.

He has been considered a possible Arsenal target since the middle of March and has still garnered some of their attention this summer. Liverpool also have made a few inquiries though they look to continue building their defense after making three midfield signings and a keeper.

At only 21-years old the Ghana national team member has plenty of years to make a move across the channel if it does not happen this summer.

Pablo Osvaldo

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Tottenham have been in hot pursuit of RCD Espanyol's front man Pablo Osvaldo this summer. He has gained quite a reputation for silky smooth moves and a great touch on the ball, and no doubt has Harry Redknapp hoping and praying he can get someone that will score a goal or 10. Considering not a one of his strikers managed to get tot that number last season.

Spurs are said to be looking to make an offer in the range of £17 million after Fulham have already had an offer of £10.5 turned down for the player.

Further hopes have been bolstered by the belief that if Niko Krancjar moves to Fiorentina in Italy's Serie A, those additional funds will be enough to entice the other Barcelona team to sell

Raul

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Raul Gonzalez has done it all in his career. It was a shame to see him leave Real Madrid, but he was not done and the Blanco's wanted to progress in another direction.

However, a season removed and he managed to take his new team, Schalke 04 deeper into the Champions League than Real Madrid had been in years. Although the Galacticos also were in the semi-finals, it was great to see the Legend of Europe still get his chance.

This summer it looks like he might get yet another lease on life. While he still has a season left on his contract in Germany, it seems that the new ownership of Blackburn Rovers are hoping to snag the Spanish attacker for their marquis signing of the window.

Diego Forlan

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Straight off a Brace in the Copa America final that saw himself and Liverpool's Luis Suarez raise the cup for Uruguay, Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan may have risen his stock for the Mattresmen.

He has been considered a Tottenham Hotspurs target for nearly two seasons, and it is still yet to be seen if the Lilywhites will make the right offer to bring him back tot he EPL were he played 98 games for Manchester United scoring 17 goals before being sold to Villareal.

Spurs are said to have been trying to aquire the services of Forlan for £7 million, but it appears that the sum is yet to be in the right ball park for Atletico to allow him to leave, especially with Sergio Aguero also looking for his own trip to England.

Giuseppe Rossi

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New Jersey born Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi has been on the radar for both Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona this summer. Along with those two clubs Serie A side Juventus could also be in the mix to sign the striker.

This Barcelona move appears to be out of the question, and if Spurs do not pony up the cash and soon, then Rossi will be heading to Italy most likely.

He scored 32 goals last season in 56 games and his strike rate has him highly sought after, and could cause the bidding to get to the £30 million range which could price Tottenham out of the running altogether.

Edinson Cavani

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Edinson Cavani burst onto the scene in Serie A last season for Napoli, as the Naples side looked the strongest they have in years. The Uruguayan scored 33 goals in 47 appearances for Partenopei.

Manchester United have been rumored to be in a bidding war for the player with money muscle flexing Manchester City. Arsenal have also been reported to be in the hunt, but with City possibly still thinking about a £45 million bid, neither team left could afford him.

Rumors have cooled lately for Cavani, whom just enjoyed victory in the Copa America, but he is still one of the hottest attackers in Europe at the moment.

Gonzalo Higuain

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Gonzalo Higuain could develop into Madrid's next Raul if given the time to do so. However, he has reportedly already been on the offering block to head to Manchester City if they agreed to a swap plus cash deal for fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez.

Fortunately nothing has happened yet for the striker who spent part of last season sidelined through injury. He has an excellent strike record for Real with 77 goals and 27 assists in his 166 total appearances for them thus far.

The deal for Tevez was rumored at a total package of €56 million between either Higuain or Benzema plus an additional €28 million. He is also said to be targeted by Arsenal and Tottenham, but I do not see that happening unless both of them suddenly amass big transfer kitties.

Moussa Sow

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Moussa Sow was the French Ligue 1 Golden Boot winner with 25 goals last season for Lille, in route to their league title. He has been the subject of speculation for a number of clubs including two very bitter rivals.

Those rivals are Newcastle Untied, and Sunderland as both have expressed interest in the player. The Magpies reportedly could be in for an offer of major proportions as Metro claims they could make a £40 million offer for the goal scorer, as their two leading scorers in Andy Carroll, and Kevin Nolan are now both gone.

Sunderland are said to be ready to duke it out for the player, but with Steve Bruce already making a load of signings, I see the former United defender done, for now.

David Villa

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Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa scored 23 goals and provided 9 assists for Barcelona last season in route to their La Liga and Champions League titles.

Despite his prolific first year, he has been rumored to be moving on rather suddenly as the Blaugrana continue to pursue their Cesc Fabregas saga. With that in mind Villa could be sold to help provide additional funds for the Gunner.

Manchester City and Chelsea have been his primary followers, and Chelsea already have reportedly been rebuffed on a £27 million offer.

Sergio Aguero

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Five seasons at Atletico Madrid have seen the rise of Argentine Striker Sergio Aguero. Last season was his finest performance ever has he scored 27 goals and passed on six assists in 41 games for the Mattress-men.

Manchester City reportedly had a deal in place last week, but it is yet to be finalized with a medical or personal terms, which is possibly due to additional offers being considered.

Chelsea look to be pushing for him to in hopes of beating out City to the player, and he would be in line for a reunion with his former team captain Fernando Torres at the Bridge.

Karim Benzema

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Karim Benzema finished last season on a high for Real Madrid and has seen his stock rise accordingly. Arsenal are possibly considering a £27 million bid for the player.

The impending transfers of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas would send more than enough cash to the Emirates to achieve such a bid, and Jose Mourinho would most certainly reinvest the funds willingly on a new golden foot.

Manchester City also could be in for the Frenchman just as they could be for Gonzalo Higuain if Madrid make the formal offer to send one of them plus cash to Manchester for Carlos Tevez.

Samuel Eto'o

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Although it is highly unlikely that he will make the switch, Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o is one of the most highly talented in the game, and his move to the EPL would be exciting for all fans, as he would certainly score some electrifying goals.

Manchester City of course are the team linked with the big money transfer, and Roberto Mancini would be thrilled to land him from his former club.

In his 301 career games between Barcelona and Inter Milan the Cameroon striker has scored 183 goals and provided 57 assists. Manchester City would definitely benefit from a striker of his class, as even though Tevez is good, he is far to much baggage on a team from the emotional stand point.