As the summer transfer window edges ever closer (find out when it opens across Europe here), there's one thing that's clear: most of the continent's top clubs are looking to sign a new No. 9 striker.

With Erling Haaland's 52 goals in 52 games for Manchester City this season proving that a central goal scorer is a key part of any team, a number of teams will be looking to the transfer market to boost themselves in this position.

Here's some of the options who could be available, and which clubs would suit them best.

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REAL MADRID

  • Harry Kane, 29, Tottenham Hotspur

Karim Benzema, arguably one of best centre-forwards ever, has left Real Madrid to join the Saudi Pro League and it would be logical to replace him with a world-class goal scorer of proven pedigree. If Madrid had been signing a backup, they could have gone down the "up-and-coming" route, but now they need instant quality — alongside, sources say, a planned loan deal for Espanyol's Joselu.

While there are several No. 9s in world football that could score regularly for Madrid, Kane is the only one available who can offer the hold-up expertise, off-the-ball work and creativity to the level of Benzema. In fact, he represents the closest match to the Frenchman's skillset.

But, even with the England captain entering the final year of his contract, don't expect any swift resolution here. If he moves abroad — and some outlets have reported that the chance to beat Alan Shearer's Premier League record tally of 260 may keep Kane (who has 213) in England — Spurs will inevitably demand a transfer fee of over €100 million. And Madrid are already set to spend in excess of that to bring in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.