The return of Premier League activity is getting closer and closer as the preseason draws to a conclusion and the summer transfer window’s rotating doors continue to be well-oiled. Last time out, Arne Slot’s Liverpool won the championship handily, but the arrival of new strikers may alter everything.
Whether it’s escaping the threat of relegation entirely, winning the title by the slimmest of margins, or rising from mid-table mediocrity to secure European football, having a good center-forward can frequently make the difference.
With the acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, Joao Pedro to Chelsea, and Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, supporters of each team will be hoping their new additions can propel them to success.
However, how many goals will all three score during the 2025–2026 Premier League season? We’ve enlisted AI’s assistance in order to answer that very question, and they have identified the top ten goal scorers in the division.
1. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has 28 goals
By May of next year, Erling Haaland, the goal machine for Manchester City, is expected to be the top scorer in the Premier League. “His 36 goals in 2022–2023 and 27 in 2023–2024 show his consistency, which is driven by elite finishing, physicality, and Manchester City’s created opportunities under Pep Guardiola,” AI stated. Isn’t it difficult to disagree? After a little decline in his goal-scoring ability last season, the 25-year-old Norwegian is eager to get back to his previous level in 2025–2026. It would be foolish to wager on him hitting 28 goals before the season ends.
2. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has 22 goals
Alexander Isak is the epitome of what a modern attacker should look like, and Scandinavian strikers have been all the rage lately. In 2024–2025, he is expected to reach 22 strikes, which is only one less than his total from the previous period. His luck might change if he signs with Liverpool, who were big fans of the Swede before Hugo Ekitike, but Eddie Howe’s team is expected to keep him as the Magpies’ top scorer.
3. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) – 20 goals
For years, Arsenal has yearned for a consistent goal threat; however, may summer acquisition Viktor Gyokeres be the solution? Despite scoring 54 goals in all competitions, there are questions over whether the 27-year-old Swedish shooter’s skill level will translate to the English top division. But according to AI, he is the “ideal fit” for Mikel Arteta’s requirements for a frontman.
He is a wonderful fit for Mikel Arteta’s system because of his physical, direct approach and 29 goals in Portugal’s Primeira Liga (2023–24). His chances will be increased by the creative midfield of Arsenal, which includes Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
4. Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has 18 goals
Bryan Mbeumo’s talents were acquired this summer because Ruben Amorim needed more goals in his Manchester United squad. AI thinks the 25-year-old Cameroonian will flourish under Old Trafford’s 3-4-3 system, but it remains to be seen if he can continue to outperform his xG (expected goals) measure. They predicted that Mbeumo would flourish in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 as a right-winger, supporting Sesko with Bruno Fernandes’ assistance. Although his 18 goals reflect some adaptation or regression, they are consistent with his newfound top status.
5. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (17 goals)
Mohamed Salah, one of the best wingers in international football, has been a surefire goal for Liverpool since signing from Serie A team AS Roma in the summer of 2017. However, he will view his anticipated 17 goals as a disappointing return. “At the age of 33, Mohamed Salah is expected to score 17 goals and continue to be a reliable threat for Liverpool,” AI stated. Slot’s championship-winning team still relies heavily on the Egyptian, thus his new contract was seen as a new acquisition.
6. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (16 goals)
Since coming in 2020, Ollie Wakins, who is admired by Amorim at Old Trafford, has been Aston Villa’s top scorer. The Englishman, who is considered one of the top strikers in the world, is predicted to score 16 goals in the next 2025–2026 season. AI explained why, saying: “Villa’s slightly less prolific attack and lack of penalty duties put Watkins below Salah, despite his aerial ability and work rate ensuring a solid tally.”
7. Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko (15 goals)
One of the more fascinating transfer sagas of the summer has revolved around Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian is a big fan of both Manchester United and Newcastle United, and he has reportedly preferred a move to the former. However, how will the 22-year-old handle his first season in England? He scored 13 league goals the last time out, and that number is expected to rise to 15. “Benjamin Sesko is forecasted to score 15 goals for Manchester United, reflecting his potential as a new signing.” AI stated.
8. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 14 goals
Without Cole Palmer’s ability to score goals, where would Chelsea be? The former Manchester City player took a risk by relocating to the capital in the summer of 2023, and he has since emerged as the Blues’ most notable player. To demonstrate that, Palmer scored 15 league goals in the previous game and is predicted by AI to score one less. Although they acknowledged the heightened competition, they added, “As Chelsea’s talisman, his versatility, penalty-taking, and flair in Enzo Maresca’s system ensure a strong tally.”
9. Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Solanke, who has 13 goals
Although the English striker has not yet demonstrated his value, Dominic Solanke became Bournemouth’s club-record sale when he joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024. According to AI, Solanke’s lack of consistency in front of goal could keep him from rising to the top of the league’s striker rankings. “Solanke’s finishing and hold-up play fit the role, but his 13 goals show sporadic inconsistency, as seen in previous seasons,” they stated.
10. Chelsea’s Joao Pedro: 11 goals
Joao Pedro may not be viewed by supporters as a goal scorer, but despite competition from Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, the Brazilian is still expected to score 11 goals in the upcoming season. “His flair and nine goals in 2023–24 make him a promising addition, but competition from Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson limits his starts,” AI stated. Pedro is only 23 years old, but with Chelsea manager Maresca’s guidance, he has the potential to become one of the Premier League’s top strikers.
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