Interest and excitement is starting to build ahead of this summer, and Euro 2012 top goalscorer odds are ready and waiting with the international tournament less than six months away. All the usual suspects will travel to Poland and Ukraine, with holders Spain sure to be tested by Germany, Netherlands and maybe even England, amongst others. The following five attackers play a key part in Euro 2012 previews, have their nation's hopes resting on their shoulders, and will battle it out for the competition’s golden boot.

Premier League defences will testify to the quality and predatory nature of Arsenal and Netherlands striker Robin van Persie, as The Gunners' captain is ready to lead Bert van Marwijk's attack in the summer. With 22 goals in the English top flight so far this campaign, Van Persie is without doubt one of the form forwards in world football. With the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder ready to supply him, expect Van Persie to continue his stellar club form on the international stage.

Mario Gomez has emerged as the spearhead for Bayern Munich's improved showing this term, and is the Bundesliga's top goalscorer with 17 goals so far. On the international stage Gomez scored six goals in Euro 2012 qualification, and will battle it out with veteran Lazio forward Miroslav Klose for the No 9 jersey. With a considerable contingent of Joachim Low's squad originating from the Allianz Arena, Gomez's bond with his club team-mates, in particular playmaker Thomas Muller, could see Germany as a real contender in the summer.

Spain's attacking options are frightening, and the holders will again be the team to beat in eastern Europe this time around. Although their midfield of Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Andres Iniesta is set, Vicente Del Bosque has options up front, with no clear cut starting No 9. With Fernando Torres struggling for form and David Villa recovering from a leg break, the stage is set for Roberto Soldado to become the World champions’ main man. The Valencia forward has consistently been a threat in La Liga and the Champions League over recent seasons, and the top Spanish goalscorer in the Primera Division this season so far could well be a massive success if given his chance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of not recreating his form for Real Madrid on the international stage, but the sprightly attacker will want to prove his critics wrong this summer. Last season's Pichichi winner, Ronaldo has continued this term where he left off, and has already netted 24 times in 21 Primera Division games this campaign. At times a one-man band for club and country, Ronaldo will have to be at his best if Portugal are to progress through a difficult Group B, which also contains Germany, Netherlands and Denmark.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's record at club level is a copybook of success, as the striker has achieved glory and won league titles at Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona and AC Milan. At 30-years-old, Zlatan will look to lead his nation to a strong Euro 2012 campaign and build on his 28 international goals. Temperamental, at times selfish but undoubtedly one of the most prolific strikers in world football, Ibrahimovic could well be the Scandinavian country's hero or villain.