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Heading for 100, who's next to join the exclusive Premier League club

Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku, right, celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace
Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku, right, celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal of the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace

The race is already gathering pace for the Golden Boot – and it’s also on to become the next inductee into the Premier League 100 Club.

The sharp shooters have certainly filled their boots already in the goal-laden start to 2017-18.

So much so that pundits are wondering if this will be the highest scoring season to date as the firepower burns through defences.

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If the attackers continue at this pace then we are certain to see more history made.

Here’s the top five contenders to join the rather exclusive scoring club – but who will be first to pick up their membership card?

Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United, 92)

Let’s be honest, he’s a shoe-in to get there. It’s just when – and the only surprise will be if it takes him until after Christmas. Seven Premier League goals already tells its own story, but it may raise eyebrows to see how close Lukaku actually is to 100 already.

Scoring 17 for West Brom was followed by 15 in his first spell at Everton. After becoming their player, he then added a staggering 53 in 104 appearances. Seven in seven so far has put him well on the road to the century.

Harry Kane (Tottenham, 84)

Just two away from 100 club career league goals, he’s lagging behind a little in the Premier League count because he learned his trade with the likes of Leyton Orient, Millwall and Leicester instead.

But 84 for Tottenham in the league alone, having already notched treble figures in all competitions, means another accolade won’t be long in coming for a player who is also in the running for the Ballon d’Or.

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool, 73)

It’s difficult to remember Daniel Sturridge before his time at Liverpool. But it’s the goals before his Anfield arrival at the start of 2013 that gives the 28-year-old a great chance of eventually making the 100 Club.

Before his 47 for Liverpool, he notched eight for Bolton Wanderers. He got 13 league goals for Chelsea after five for Manchester City. Should he keep himself anywhere near fit, there’s little doubt the Reds forward can join the party.


Olivier Giroud (Arsenal, 70)

When he plays, he normally scores. But the problem for the Frenchman is that he now seems a spare part at Arsenal. If he is to make it into the Premier League 100 Club, then he’s going to have to be patient.

His record of 70 goals in 118 starts for the Gunners is pretty formidable, but questions remain about his future following the arrival of fellow Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette. In a World Cup year, Giroud must be considering his options in January if he remains bench bound.

Theo Walcott (Arsenal, 65)

Few will give the rapid Arsenal forward any hope of edging out all the others with Premier League match minutes few and far between but at 28, time is still very much on his side.

But like Giroud, he’s likely to need to leave the Gunners to join the likes of Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Andy Cole in the club.